North Branford public meetings in 2025

Town Council Meetings

The North Branford Town Council is holding a special Zoom meeting with a single substantive action: appointing Mark Amatrudo as Emergency Management Director. The agenda includes only this appointment, a roll call, and adjournment, with no other business items listed.

• Appointment of Mark Amatrudo as Emergency Management Director

The council first removed Mark Amatrudo’s emergency management director appointment from the table. It then confirmed his appointment with an annual stipend of $6,000 effective Dec. 31, 2025. A motion to postpone the appointment to Jan. 20, 2026 was rejected. The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 p.m.

• Removed appointment from table (5-0-4) – motion passes
• Confirmed appointment of Mark Amatrudo as Emergency Management Director with $6,000 stipend (5-1-3) – motion passes
• Postponement of appointment to Jan 20, 2026 denied (3-5-1) – motion fails
• Meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m. (8-0-1) – motion passes

Permanent Project Building Committee

The Permanent Project Building Committee scheduled for December 22, 2025 was cancelled. As a result, no items will be discussed or decided at this meeting.

Board of Education

The Board of Education Curriculum & Instruction Subcommittee will meet to review the program of studies, curriculum maps, and Building Thinking Cultures. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 5:15 p.m.

• Review update on program of studies
• Review curriculum map and unit plan work
• Review Building Thinking Cultures overview
• Meeting location: Stanley T. Williams Community Center

Board of Education

The North Branford Board of Education will review and act on the upcoming 2026‑2027 school calendar. The meeting includes discussion of the finance report, tools for schools and indoor air quality, and the NBHS renovation project. Consent agenda items such as approval of previous minutes will also be considered.

• Approval of previous minutes – consent agenda
• Finance report – discussion
• Tools for schools/indoor air quality – discussion
• 2026/2027 school calendar – discussion and action
• NBHS renovation project – discussion

Blueprint Committee

The North Branford Blueprint Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday, December 18, 2025 was cancelled. No agenda items were considered.

Conservation & Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency (CIWWA)

The Conservation & Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency will hold a public hearing and consider possible action on Application #2025-4 for 90 Ciro Road. The proposal seeks a site‑plan modification to add a 30’ × 50’ metal building with associated driveway, grading, septic system, utilities and site work within the upland review area. This item continues from the December 3, 2025 meeting.

• Application #2025-4 – 90 Ciro Road – site‑plan modification for an additional 30’ × 50’ metal building, driveway, grading, septic, utilities and site work

The agency unanimously approved the corrected minutes from the December 3 meeting. It also unanimously approved IWWA application #2025-4 to add a 30‑by‑50‑foot metal building with driveway, grading, septic and utilities at 90 Ciro Road. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved minutes of Dec 3, 2025 with correction (unanimous)
• Approved IWWA application #2025-4 site plan modification at 90 Ciro Road (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:58 p.m. (unanimous)

Town Council Meetings

The North Branford Town Council will vote to accept the resignation of Town Manager Michael P. Downes effective Jan. 5, 2026. The Council will also appoint Assistant Town Manager Rory Burke as Acting Town Manager with an annual salary of $147,175. Additionally, the Council will designate itself as the search committee for a new Town Manager and confirm Mark Amatrudo as Emergency Management Director with a $6,000 annual stipend.

• Accept resignation of Town Manager Michael P. Downes, effective Jan 5 2026
• Appoint Assistant Town Manager Rory Burke as Acting Town Manager, salary $147,175 per year
• Designate Town Council as the Search Committee for hiring a new Town Manager
• Confirm appointment of Mark Amatrudo as Emergency Management Director, stipend $6,000 per year

The council unanimously accepted the resignation of Town Manager Michael P. Downes effective Jan. 5, 2026. It then appointed Assistant Town Manager Rory Burke as Acting Town Manager with an annual salary of $147,175. The full council was designated as the Search Committee to hire a new Town Manager. The appointment of an Emergency Management Director was tabled by a 4‑3 vote.

• Accepted resignation of Town Manager Michael P. Downes effective Jan 5 2026 (unanimous)
• Appointed Assistant Town Manager Rory Burke as Acting Town Manager, salary $147,175 (unanimous)
• Designated full Town Council as Search Committee for new Town Manager (unanimous)
• Tabled Emergency Management Director appointment (vote 4‑3)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Town Council Meetings

The Town Council and WPCA meeting originally set for Tuesday, December 16, 2025 was cancelled. A special joint meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, December 9, 2025. No other agenda items were listed.

• Original Dec 16, 2025 WPCA and Town Council meeting cancelled
• Special WPCA and Town Council meeting scheduled for Dec 9, 2025

Board of Education

The special meeting scheduled for December 15, 2025, has been canceled. No items were decided or discussed.

Permanent Project Building Committee

The Permanent Project Building Committee will consider several items, including approving the minutes from the special meeting on 12/08/2025 and reviewing specifications for the Edward Smith HVAC project. The committee will discuss a garden roof leak at the North Branford High School. A key agenda item is the RFP review to award an HVAC commissioning agent for the Edward Smith Library, which requires a two‑thirds vote and may move to an executive session.

• Approval of special meeting minutes from 12/08/2025
• Specification review for Edward Smith HVAC
• Discussion of garden roof leak at North Branford High School
• RFP review to award HVAC commissioning agent for Edward Smith Library (2/3 vote, possible executive session)

The committee voted to approve the special meeting minutes of December 8 2025 with noted changes. Member Palumbo moved the approval, Member Fonda seconded, and the motion passed with all members in favor. Member Canosa abstained.

• Approved Special Meeting minutes of 12/08/2025 (motion by Palumbo, seconded by Fonda; all in favor, Canosa abstained)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The North Branford Zoning Board of Appeals cancelled its scheduled meeting for December 15, 2025, due to a lack of business. The next meeting is set for January 26, 2026.

• Cancellation of December 15, 2025 meeting
• Next meeting scheduled for January 26, 2026

Conservation & Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency (CIWWA)

The Conservation and Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency is holding a special meeting and field walk. The agency will review a proposed fourth building and associated site work.

• Site walk at 90 Ciro Road to review a proposed 30’ x 50’ fourth building
• Review of site work and septic system installation at 90 Ciro Road

Solid/Hazardous Waste & Recycling Committee

The committee will meet to discuss several operational topics, including recycling information cards and committee responsibilities. Members will also select a meeting chair for January through March 2026.

• Discussion of Plastic Wrap
• Recycling/Trash Info Card Update
• Selection of meeting chair for Jan-Mar 2026
• Backup Committee Responsibilities and Assignments
• OneDrive Update for Committee

The committee approved the minutes from the November 13, 2025 meeting, with all members in favor and three members abstaining. Member Petroskey was designated to chair the January and March 2026 meetings; the February chair will be decided at the January meeting. No other formal actions were taken.

• Approved November 13, 2025 minutes (all in favor, 3 abstentions)
• Assigned Member Petroskey as chair for January and March 2026 meetings

Planning & Zoning Commission

The North Branford Planning & Zoning Commission will consider a re‑subdivision of property on West Pond Road in the R‑80 zone to create five residential lots, and a site‑plan modification for a 60’ × 40’ detached building at 524 Forest Road in the I‑2 zone. The meeting also includes discussion of Schedule A and a presentation on the Town Center Form‑Based Code. Additional items include the Town Planner’s report on upcoming applications.

• Appl. #2025-9 – Re‑subdivision of West Pond Road (R‑80 zone) for five residential lots, applicant BC Investment Properties LLC
• Appl. #2025-12 – Site‑plan modification at 524 Forest Road (I‑2 zone) for a 60’ × 40’ detached storage/office building, applicant Centconn Properties LLC
• Schedule A discussion
• Town Center Form‑Based Code presentation and discussion
• Town Planner’s report on upcoming application receipt and scheduling for January 8, 2026

The commission approved the minutes from September 4, 2025 and November 20, 2025, each passing by a 3‑2 vote with two members abstaining. The commission approved Application #2025‑12 for 524 Forest Road, allowing a new 60‑by‑40‑foot detached building for storage and office use, with the motion passing unanimously (5‑0). No action was taken on Application #2025‑9 West Pond Road; the commission sent it back for further drainage and wetland review and will consider it at the next meeting.

• Approved September 4, 2025 minutes (3‑2, abstentions Siena & Heon)
• Approved November 20, 2025 minutes (3‑2, abstentions Caruso & Heon)
• Approved Application #2025‑12 – 524 Forest Road site plan modification (5‑0)
• Continued Application #2025‑9 – West Pond Road re‑subdivision (sent back for revisions)

Library Board

The North Branford Library Board will meet to review reports and address unfinished business regarding liability and internet policies. The board will also discuss a program agreement form and library signage.

• Liability waivers and hold harmless agreements
• Social Media Policy
• Internet Access Policy
• Program Agreement Form
• Library Signage

The board approved the prior meeting minutes after a motion by Chair Frandsen, with two members abstaining and the motion passing. The board adopted a new Programming Agreement form for presenters, outlining program details and rules. No updates were reported on liability waivers, social media, internet access, or library signage.

• Approved prior meeting minutes (motion passed, Budney and Macmillen abstained)
• Adopted Programming Agreement form for library presenters (no vote recorded)

Agriculture Commission

The North Branford Agriculture Commission meeting scheduled for December 9, 2025 has been cancelled. No agenda items will be discussed or decided at this time. Residents should await notice of a rescheduled meeting for any future topics.

Parks & Recreation Commission

The North Branford Parks & Recreation Commission meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 6:00 pm was cancelled. No agenda items were considered.

Town Council Meetings

The North Branford Town Council will vote on the 2026‑2029 collective bargaining agreement with the teachers union. It will also discuss a draft ordinance on peddling, hawking and vending, an extension of the trash collection contract, and awards for a land‑records management system and speed‑limit signs. Additional items include a policy for using Economic Development fund proceeds and a review of possible town charter revisions.

• Ratification of the 2026‑2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement with the North Branford Federation of Teachers
• Draft of Proposed Ordinance 2025‑2, Peddling, Hawking and Vending
• Proposed extension of the trash collection contract
• Award of RFP 926020 – Land Records Management System (awardee TBD)
• Project Authorization Letter for Speed Limit Signs on local rural roads in Districts 3 & 4

The council unanimously approved the November 18, 2025 WPCA & Town Council minutes. It adopted resolutions congratulating the North Branford youth football C, B, and A divisions for their recent titles. The Fire Commission approved pensions for three retirees and appointed two Deputy Chiefs. Additional actions included approving pond maintenance, and filing for a one‑month audit extension.

• Approved November 18, 2025 WPCA & Town Council minutes (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution congratulating North Branford youth football C Division team
• Adopted resolution congratulating North Branford youth football B Division team
• Adopted resolution congratulating North Branford youth football A Division team
• Approved pensions for retirees Michael Garcia, John Carafeno, Stephen Kopylec
• Appointed Deputy Chiefs Tom Hart (Training) and John McFarland (EMS)
• Approved maintenance on North St pond to remove organic sediment
• Filed for one‑month audit extension to Jan 31 2026

Finance Sub-committee of the Town Council

The Town Council Finance Sub-Committee meeting set for Tuesday, December 9, 2025 was cancelled. No agenda items were discussed or decided. No further action was taken at this meeting.

Board of Police Commissioners

The regular meeting of the North Branford Board of Police Commissioners scheduled for December 8, 2025 has been canceled. No agenda items will be considered at this time.

Permanent Project Building Committee

The Permanent Project Building Committee will review the RFP and consider a vote to award the HVAC commissioning agent contract for the Edward Smith Library. The meeting also includes updates on the Edward Smith HVAC project, the NBHS storage shed, and various New Britain Police Department and North Branford High School construction items. Invoices will be reviewed before adjournment.

• RFP review and vote on award of HVAC commissioning agent for Edward Smith Library
• Edward Smith HVAC – update
• NBHS storage shed – update
• NBPD updates: HVAC, Newfield, IES commissioning, punch list
• Review of invoices

The committee approved the minutes from the 11/17/2025 special meeting after minor wording corrections. It approved a $2,350 guardrail invoice, a not‑to‑exceed $10,000 budget for window‑film work, and several contractor invoices for the NBHS, Edward Smith Library, and NBHS Storage projects. The committee then rescinded earlier retainage‑reduction approvals for four bid packages and voted to table all retainage‑reduction requests until the required close‑out documents are received by Dec. 22 2025.

• Approved 11/17/2025 special meeting minutes (unanimous, 1 abstention)
• Moved invoices from agenda item 10 to 7a (unanimous)
• Approved guardrail invoice from Guilford Fence – $2,350 (unanimous)
• Approved not‑to‑exceed $10,000 for window‑film pending manufacturer approval (unanimous)
• Approved retainage reductions to 0% for bid packages 09A, 09D, 09E, 23A, 28A (unanimous)
• Rescinded those retainage‑reduction approvals (unanimous)
• Tabled all retainage‑reduction requests until required documents are received by Dec. 22 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved contractor invoices for NBHS, Edward Smith Library, and NBHS Storage projects (unanimous)

Economic Development Commission

The Economic Development Commission will review a recap of the Blueprint Committee, prepare for an upcoming Planning & Zoning meeting, and consider the town's strategic plan. It will also feature a presentation on Restaurant Month and reports from the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce and the Assistant Town Manager. The meeting includes standard items such as call to order, minutes approval, and citizen statements.

• Blueprint Committee recap
• Planning & Zoning meeting preparation
• Restaurant Month discussion
• Strategic Plan review
• Shoreline Chamber of Commerce report

The Economic Development Commission approved the minutes from the November 3, 2025 regular meeting. Dan moved to approve, Barbara seconded, and the motion passed with one abstention (Pete). No other formal actions were taken; the commission discussed Blueprint Committee updates, a Planning & Zoning Table of Uses revision, Form‑Based Code development, and Restaurant Month plans.

• Approved November 3, 2025 meeting minutes (passed, 1 abstention)

Board of Fire Commissioners

The North Branford Board of Fire Commissioners approved three pension requests for retired members, appointed two new deputy chiefs, and accepted the 2026 meeting schedule. They also approved the swearing‑in of three new fire inspectors and authorized Christmas drive‑by activities for all companies. All actions were approved by unanimous roll‑call votes.

• Approved three new fire inspectors to be sworn in (unanimous)
• Accepted 2026 schedule of meetings (unanimous)
• Approved pension for Michael Guercia, 18 years service, effective 11/10/2025 (unanimous)
• Approved pension for John Carafeno, 13 years service, effective 10/1/2025 (unanimous)
• Approved pension for Stephen Kopylec, 43 years service, effective 6/1/2025 (unanimous)
• Appointed Tom Hart as Deputy Chief of Training (1/1/2026‑12/31/2027) (unanimous)
• Appointed John McFarland as Deputy Chief of EMS (1/1/2026‑12/31/2027) (unanimous)
• Approved Christmas drive‑by activities for all three companies (unanimous)

Conservation & Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency (CIWWA)

The Conservation & Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency will hold a public hearing and consider possible actions on two applications. Application #2025-4 proposes a site plan modification at 90 Ciro Road to add a 30’ × 50’ metal building with associated driveway, grading, septic, utilities, and site work. Application #2025-5 seeks approval for pond maintenance at 40/50 North Street, involving water pumping with a filtration sock and removal of organic sediment. The meeting also includes adoption of the 2026 meeting schedule and routine agenda items.

• Application #2025-4 – 90 Ciro Road: site plan modification for a 30’ × 50’ metal building, driveway, grading, septic, utilities, and site work (owner: Maclellan North Branford LLC; agent: John Paul Garcia, PE, LS)
• Application #2025-5 – 40/50 North Street: pond maintenance including water pumping with a filtration sock and removal of organic sediment (owner: Nate Rose; applicant: Alfred D. Rose)
• Adoption of the 2026 meeting schedule (Wetland Enforcement Officer’s Report)
• Public hearing and possible action on the listed applications
• Routine items: call to order, pledge of allegiance, minutes, old and new business

The agency approved the minutes from the October 22 meeting and moved agenda item B before item A. It decided to reduce a culvert on Glenwood Road from 3 in to 2 in. The agency approved Application #2025‑5 to maintain the pond at 40‑50 North Street with specified conditions. It also adopted the 2026 meeting schedule and adjourned at 7:07 p.m.

• Approved October 22, 2025 minutes (unanimous, 1 abstain)
• Moved agenda item B before item A (unanimous)
• Reduced Glenwood Rd culvert size from 3 in to 2 in (decision)
• Approved IWWA Application #2025‑5 pond maintenance at 40‑50 North Street (unanimous, with conditions)
• Approved 2026 meeting schedule (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:07 p.m. (unanimous)

Permanent Project Building Committee

The Permanent Project Building Committee meeting scheduled for December 1, 2025, has been cancelled.

Permanent Project Building Committee

The Permanent Project Building Committee’s meeting scheduled for November 24, 2025 was cancelled. Consequently, no agenda items were discussed or decided at this session.

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing and possible action on a property re-subdivision. The body will also discuss the Town Center Form Based Code and the 2026 meeting schedule.

• Application #2025-9: Re-subdivision of West Pond Road (R-80 zone) to create five residential lots with access on Glenwood Road
• Town Center Form Based Code presentation and discussion
• Adoption of 2026 Meeting Schedule

The commission approved the November 6, 2025 meeting minutes with a 3‑1 vote and one abstention. Members voted 4‑0 to close the public hearing on Application #2025-9 for West Pond Road. The commission also adopted the 2026 Planning & Zoning meeting schedule by a 4‑0 vote and adjourned the meeting.

• Approved November 6, 2025 meeting minutes (3‑1, 1 abstain)
• Closed public hearing on Appl #2025-9 West Pond Road (4‑0)
• Continued Appl #2025-9 to the December 11, 2025 meeting
• Approved 2026 Planning & Zoning meeting schedule (4‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Board of Education

The scheduled Board of Education meeting for Thursday, November 20, 2025 at 5:15 p.m. was canceled. No agenda items were discussed or decided.

Blueprint Committee

The Blueprint Committee will discuss updates on North Branford town properties, review parks and recreation fields, and receive a progress report from the Town Center Committee. No formal decisions are noted; the meeting focuses on informational updates and discussion.

• Update on North Branford Town Properties
• Review and discussion of Parks and Recreation Fields
• Update on the Town Center Committee
• Report on the Committee’s Progress

The committee approved the minutes from October 23, 2025. It added the 2026 meeting schedule and an Economic Development discussion item to the agenda. The revised 2026 meeting schedule was formally approved, and the meeting was adjourned at 8:12 p.m.

• Approved October 23, 2025 minutes (all in favor, 1 abstention)
• Added 2026 meeting schedule to agenda under item 5c (all in favor)
• Added Economic Development discussion to agenda under item 5d (all in favor)
• Approved 2026 meeting schedule with date correction (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:12 p.m. (all in favor)

Board of Education

The Board of Education will conduct an organizational meeting to elect officers and assign committees. The body will also discuss the NBHS Renovation Project and a contract with the North Branford Federation of Teachers.

• Election of officers and committee assignments
• Discussion of NBHS Renovation Project
• Possible action on contract with North Branford Federation of Teachers
• Finance Report discussion and action
• Policy committee discussion and action

Conservation & Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency (CIWWA)

The North Branford Conservation & Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency cancelled its regular meeting scheduled for November 19, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. because a quorum was not present. No agenda items were considered. The next regular meeting is set for December 17, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the North Branford Town Hall Council Chambers.

Town Council Meetings

The North Branford Town Council will appoint a Council Clerk and a Town Attorney, and discuss the sale of town properties, a vending ordinance, and police assistance compacts. The meeting also includes reports from various town commissions.

• Appointment of Kathleen Daly as Council Clerk at $275 per 2-hour meeting
• Appointment of Attorney Bryan L. LeClerc as Town Attorney
• Discussion on use of funds from sale of Town-owned properties
• Change to Chapter 182 Peddling, Hawking and Vending ordinance
• General Service Mutual Police Assistance Compact with five towns

The North Branford Town Council approved a bid waiver for the Board of Education to contract with Automated Building Systems, Inc. (ABS) for the Alerton monitoring system at Jerome Harrison, NBHS Auditorium, and Totoket Valley Elementary School, and added $50,000 to the capital improvement program for the TVES upgrade. The council also approved amendments to mutual police assistance compacts to admit Wallingford, tabled the Economic Development Fund Policy and the Right-to-Farm Ordinance, and approved the 2026 meeting schedule.

• Approved bid waiver for ABS energy management system at JHS, NBHS Auditorium, TVES (unanimous)
• Approved $50,000 for TVES energy system in 2025-26 CIP (unanimous)
• Approved amendment to General Services Mutual Police Assistance Compact adding Wallingford (unanimous, Miller abstained)
• Approved amendment to South Central CT Regional Traffic Unit Compact adding Wallingford (unanimous, Miller abstained)
• Tabled Economic Development Fund Policy (unanimous)
• Tabled Right-to-Farm Ordinance until December (unanimous)
• Approved $15,000 change order for AI Engineering for Edward Smith Library HVAC (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 meeting schedule (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The North Branford Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on a variance application for 14 Brook Lane. The applicant, Ralph Coppola, seeks to increase the lot coverage for accessory buildings from 4.34% to 6% to place a pool house/storage shed measuring 14’ × 24’. The board may take action on the request after the hearing. The meeting will also adopt the 2026 meeting schedule.

• Variance request for 14 Brook Lane – increase accessory building lot coverage from 4.34% to 6% (pool house/storage shed 14’ × 24’)
• Adoption of 2026 Zoning Board meeting schedule

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved the minutes from the October 20, 2025 meeting. It approved application #2025‑8 for a variance to increase lot coverage for a pool house/storage shed at 14 Brook Lane. The board adopted the 2026 meeting schedule. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved October 20, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved variance application #2025‑8 for 14 Brook Lane (unanimous)
• Adopted 2026 meeting schedule (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Permanent Project Building Committee

The Permanent Project Building Committee will review an AI Engineers proposal regarding Edward Smith HVAC. The body will also discuss several North Branford High School items, including a garden roof leak and warranty issues.

• AI Engineers proposal for Edward Smith HVAC
• North Branford High School garden roof leak
• Aerolite Warranty for NBHS
• NBHS retainage reduction and punchlist
• Review of invoices

The Permanent Project Building Committee approved the minutes from prior meetings, accepted a $15,000 proposal from AI Engineers, and approved warranty agreements from Airolite. It also reduced retainage for Accurate Door & Window, increased a purchase order for Paul Griese, rejected a Stadium Systems invoice, and approved several contractor invoices, with a few members abstaining on specific motions.

• Approved meeting minutes of 10/20/2025 (abstentions: Canosa, Palumbo)
• Approved meeting minutes of 11/03/2025 (abstentions: Bailey, Canosa, Rose, Siena)
• Accepted AI Engineers proposal for $15,000 (unanimously passed)
• Accepted 10‑year warranty for materials/workmanship and 20‑year warranty for architectural finishes from Airolite (unanimously passed)
• Approved retainage reduction for Accurate Door & Window, LLC to 0% (unanimously passed)
• Increased purchase order for Paul Griese by $4,000 (unanimously passed)
• Rejected Stadium Systems invoice # IMC-2507146 for $8,375.00 (unanimously passed)
• Approved NBPD project invoices (Ciulla & Donofrio $977.50, Centek $1,227.50) with Vice Chairman Bailey abstaining

Solid/Hazardous Waste & Recycling Committee

The committee will review waste management topics including e-waste, leaf drop-off, and plastic wrap. Members will also discuss updating the Recycling/Trash Info Card and approving the 2026 meeting schedule.

• Approval of the 2026 SHWRC Meeting Schedule
• E-Waste Event wrap up
• Leaf Drop-off discussion
• Recycling/Trash Info Card update
• Backup Committee responsibilities and assignments

The Solid/Hazardous Waste & Recycling Committee approved the minutes from the October 9, 2025 meeting. The committee also approved the proposed 2026 SHWRC meeting schedule. The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m.; all motions passed with unanimous support except one member abstained on the minutes approval.

• Approved October 9, 2025 minutes (all in favor; Member Sharp abstained)
• Approved 2026 SHWRC meeting schedule (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:35 p.m. (all in favor)

Public Safety Communications Committee

The scheduled Public Safety Communications Committee meeting for November 12, 2025 was cancelled. No agenda items were discussed or decided.

Library Board

The North Branford Library Board will meet to discuss and take action on several operational policies. The agenda includes reviews of circulation and social media guidelines, as well as the establishment of AI guidelines for internet access.

• Liability waivers and hold harmless agreements
• Social Media Policy
• Circulation Policy
• Internet Access Policy/AI Guidelines
• Election of Library Board officers

The Library Board approved the October 8, 2025 meeting minutes. It also approved revisions to the circulation policy, including ending refunds for replaced items and new loan rules for non‑holdable items. Additionally, the board approved the 2026 Library Board meeting schedule. No other actions were taken.

• Approved October 8, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved circulation policy revisions (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 Library Board meeting schedule (unanimous)

Agriculture Commission

The Town of North Branford has cancelled the Agriculture Commission meeting scheduled for November 11, 2025.

• Agriculture Commission meeting cancelled

Board of Police Commissioners

The Board of Police Commissioners will review the department budget and management software. The meeting includes discussions on patrol changes due to shoplifting and requests for traffic modifications.

• Request to Town Council to modify Ch. 182 Peddling Hawing and Vending
• Installation of 4 Way Stop intersection at Mill/ Ann/ Wood Chase on 11/12/25
• No turn on red request for Foxon Road/ Forest Road
• CT DOT update on intersection of Woodhouse/ Pistapaug and Clintonville
• Review of Gov Quest Report and Munis Scheduling software

The Police Commissioners approved the October 14, 2025 meeting minutes after correcting a typo, unanimously. They added a new‑business agenda item for the 2026 meeting schedule and approved the 2026 meeting dates, both unanimously. The board also unanimously denied the request for a no‑right‑turn‑on‑red at the Foxon Road and Forest Road intersection.

• Approved October 14, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Added agenda item 6a – Schedule of Meetings for 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 meeting dates (unanimous)
• Denied no‑right‑turn‑on‑red request at Foxon Road & Forest Road (unanimous)

Permanent Project Building Committee

The Permanent Project Building Committee meeting scheduled for November 10, 2025 was cancelled. As a result, no agenda items were considered or decided at this time.

Board of Education

The North Branford Board of Education Policy Subcommittee will meet to discuss three existing policies: Family and Medical Leave of Absence (P2250), Fundraising Policy (P4010), and Library Collection Development and Maintenance (P3400). No decisions are indicated; the agenda lists discussion of each policy. The meeting will also set the date for the next meeting before adjourning.

• Discussion of P2250 – Family and Medical Leave of Absence
• Discussion of P4010 – Fundraising Policy
• Discussion of P3400 – Library Collection Development and Maintenance, Library Displays and Programs, and Library Material Review and Reconsideration

Board of Fire Commissioners

The North Branford Board of Fire Commissioners will review several operational matters, including the department's command structure and appointments of assistant chiefs and training staff. Unfinished business items such as fire rescue billing, fire marshal fees, and a social media policy will also be considered. The meeting follows standard agenda items like reports, public comments, and the upcoming December 4 agenda.

• Discussion/Action on Department’s Command Realignment
• Discussion/Action on Appointment of two Assistant Chiefs
• Discussion/Action on Appointment of Training Officer & EMS Supervisor
• Discussion/Action on Fire Rescue Billing
• Discussion/Action on Social Media Policy

The Board approved the use of Ranger 3 by AMR for the Yale‑Harvard game and authorized the purchase of new gas meters using a $2,000 grant and a $2,500 donation. It accepted the department’s social media policy, the command‑realignment chart, and the list of members earning a year of credited service in the Merit Service Retirement Plan. The Board also appointed Anthony Esposito and Robert Colangelo as Assistant Chiefs for three‑year terms and tabled actions on fire‑rescue billing and fire‑marshal fees.

• Approved use of Ranger 3 by AMR for Yale‑Harvard game (all in favor)
• Approved purchase of gas meters with $2,000 grant and $2,500 donation (all in favor)
• Accepted Social Media Policy as written (all in favor)
• Accepted departmental command realignment organizational chart (all in favor)
• Appointed Anthony Esposito and Robert Colangelo as Assistant Chiefs, Jan 1 2026–Jan 1 2029 (all in favor)
• Approved merit‑service retirement list for 2024‑2025 and instructed clerk to forward it (all in favor)
• Tabled discussion/action on Fire Rescue Billing
• Tabled discussion/action on Fire Marshal Fees

Planning & Zoning Commission

The North Branford Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on a re-subdivision application and discuss the Town Center Form Based Code. The meeting will also include the approval of previous meeting minutes.

• Public hearing on re-subdivision of West Pond Road
• Discussion of Town Center Form Based Code
• Approval of July 10, September 4, and September 18, 2025 minutes

The commission approved the September 18, 2025 meeting minutes. It voted to continue the public hearing on Application #2025-9 (West Pond Road subdivision) to November 20, 2025. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved September 18, 2025 minutes (motion passed)
• Continued public hearing on Appl #2025-9 to Nov 20, 2025 (motion passed)
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Veterans Service Commission

The North Branford Veterans Service Commission will review and vote on the 2026 meeting schedule. The commission will also discuss a newsletter, a veterans luncheon, and matters related to the Wall of Honor. Earlier agenda items include approving the October 7, 2025 minutes and a discussion on the St. Patrick’s Parade in New Haven.

• Approval of October 7, 2025 meeting minutes
• Wall of Honor – Sub‑committee discussion
• Nomination Form for the Wall of Honor
• Approval of the 2026 meeting schedule
• Discussion on a newsletter

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the October 7, 2025 meeting. A motion was passed to adopt the 2026 meeting schedule. The board decided not to take part in the 2026 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New Haven. No other actions were taken.

• Approved October 7, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 meeting schedule (motion passed)
• Declined participation in 2026 St. Patrick’s Day Parade (decision)

Permanent Project Building Committee

The Permanent Project Building Committee will review updates on HVAC systems at Edward Smith and the North Branford Police Department, address issues at the North Branford Intermediate School, and approve meeting minutes and invoices.

• Approval of 10/20/2025 and 10/27/2025 meeting minutes
• Edward Smith HVAC update
• NBPD HVAC, propane consumption, commissioning, and punch list
• NBIS closeout
• NBHS glass warranty, roof leak, punchlist, and retainage reduction

The Permanent Project Building Committee voted unanimously to let AI Engineering continue the Edward Smith Library HVAC project to 100% construction documents, skipping the 60% design phase. It also authorized AI Engineering to prepare a proposal for Town Council review. The committee approved several retainage adjustments, adopted the 2026 meeting schedule, and approved invoices for the NBIS, NBHS, and NBPD projects.

• Approved AI Engineering request to continue to 100% CD and skip 60% design phase (unanimous)
• Authorized AI Engineering to prepare a proposal pending Town Council approval (unanimous)
• Approved retainage reduction from 5.0% to 2.5% for Cherry Hill Glass Co Inc (unanimous)
• Approved retainage reduction from 2.5% to 0% for Schenectady Steel Co Inc (unanimous)
• Rejected retainage reduction from 2.5% to 0% for Stonehedge Landscaping Co pending flood test (unanimous)
• Tabled retainage reduction from 5.0% to 2.5% for Silktown Roofing until flood test results (unanimous)
• Approved the proposed 2026 PPBC meeting schedule (unanimous)
• Approved invoices for NBIS, NBHS, and NBPD projects (unanimous)

Economic Development Commission

The North Branford Economic Development Commission will meet to consider several new business items, including the 2026 meeting schedule, Town Center communication plans, and a policy for the Economic Development Fund. The commission will also review old business concerning the town's Strategic Plan and receive reports from the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce, the Assistant Town Manager, and Planning & Zoning. The meeting follows the standard agenda of call to order, minutes approval, citizen statements, and adjournment.

• 2026 Meeting Schedule (new business)
• Town Center Communication (new business)
• Economic Development Fund Policy (new business)
• Strategic Plan (old business)
• Shoreline Chamber of Commerce report

The Economic Development Commission approved the October 6, 2025 meeting minutes. It accepted the 2026 meeting schedule, endorsed the Town Center communication memorandum, and approved the Economic Development Fund Policy. All motions passed with all members in favor.

• Approved October 6, 2025 minutes (all in favor)
• Approved 2026 meeting schedule (all in favor)
• Endorsed Town Center communication memorandum (all in favor)
• Approved Economic Development Fund Policy (all in favor)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Recreation Commission meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, 2025, has been cancelled.

Town Council Meetings

The North Branford Town Council will vote on transferring utility funds for FY 2024‑25, moving amounts such as $1,600, $1,350, $1,050 and $300 between accounts. The meeting also includes an executive‑session review of the Town Manager under CGS Section 1‑200(6)(A) and a discussion of the Town Manager’s compensation. No other agenda items are listed.

• Appropriation transfer of $1,600 for Street Lights electricity final bills
• Appropriation transfer of $1,350 for Sewer Works Operating Fund contracts
• Appropriation transfer of $1,050 for Technical supplies correction
• Appropriation transfer of $300 for Other Contractual items
• Executive session evaluation of Town Manager (CGS Section 1‑200(6)(A)) and discussion of Town Manager compensation

Board of Police Commissioners

The Town Council, Permanent Project Building Committee, and Police Commission will hold a special joint meeting to discuss an update on the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system for the North Branford Police Department.

• Update on HVAC for the NB Police Department
• Special joint meeting of Town Council, Building Committee, and Police Commission

The board discussed the status of the North Branford Police Department HVAC system, including reports from Centek, SPA, and Trane. Participants raised concerns about design compliance, humidity control, boiler fuel consumption, and warranty implications. No motions were voted on, and no approvals, denials, or tabling of actions were recorded.

Permanent Project Building Committee

The Permanent Project Building Committee will hold a joint meeting with the Town Council and Police Commission. The agenda includes a flag salute, roll call, and an update on the HVAC system for the North Branford Police Department. No other items or decisions are listed.

• Update on HVAC for the NB Police Department

The meeting provided updates on the police department HVAC system, including reports from Centek, SPA, and Trane. Council members and commission chairs discussed design basis, warranty issues, and operational concerns. No formal actions, approvals, or votes were recorded.

Permanent Project Building Committee

The scheduled October 27, 2025 Permanent Project Building Committee meeting was cancelled, so no decisions or discussions will take place.

Town Council Meetings

The Town Council, Permanent Project Building Committee, and Police Commission will hold a joint meeting. The agenda includes a flag salute, roll call, and an update on the HVAC system for the North Branford Police Department. No decisions are listed; the meeting appears informational.

• Update on HVAC for the NB Police Department

Councilors, the Police Commission, and the Permanent Project Building Committee reviewed the updated HVAC balancing report and system performance. They heard concerns about humidity control, heating‑season testing, and warranty impacts. No approvals, denials, or votes were recorded; the discussion was informational only.

Blueprint Committee

The Blueprint Committee will meet to discuss updates on North Branford town properties, review parks and recreation fields, and receive a progress report from the Center Committee. No formal decisions are noted on the agenda.

• Update on North Branford Town Properties
• Review of Parks and Recreation Fields
• Update on the Center Committee
• Report on the Committee’s Progress

The committee approved the September 25, 2025 meeting minutes. It endorsed a request to develop a Request for Proposals for the Town Center Subcommittee to be presented to the Town Council. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved September 25, 2025 minutes (all in favor; Member Fonda abstained)
• Endorsed request for Town Center RFP to be presented to Town Council (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting (all in favor)

Conservation & Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency (CIWWA)

The Conservation & Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency will meet to review minutes, consider a presentation from the Trust for Public Land regarding 1635 Middletown Avenue, and receive a wetland enforcement report.

• Trust for Public Land presentation on 1635 Middletown Avenue
• Review of September 24, 2025 meeting minutes
• Wetland Enforcement Officer's report

The agency approved the September 24, 2025 meeting minutes with a revision adding a 100‑ft no‑dumping placard condition. Members voted to amend the agenda to include a letter of support for the Trust for Public Land and North Branford Land Trust’s Farm River Open Space project at 1635 Middletown Avenue, Northford. The commission also approved a motion directing Town Planner Perkins to draft that letter of support and forward it to the commission for final approval. The meeting was adjourned at 7:18 p.m.

• Approved September 24, 2025 minutes (all in favor, Fischbach abstained)
• Amended agenda to add letter of support for Farm River Open Space project (all in favor)
• Directed Town Planner Perkins to draft letter of support for Farm River Open Space project (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:18 p.m. (all in favor)

Town Council Meetings

The North Branford Town Council will discuss and act on several new business items, including the purchase of a new Fire Department Engine #1. The agenda also includes funding for the Sea Hill Road rehabilitation through the Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program, a paving agreement for Brook Lane with the Regional Water Authority, and the award of a public‑works addition contract (Bid #26120). Additional items cover a scheduling software contract for the Police Department, an agreement with Taxserv Capital Services, LLC, and various appropriation and finance transfers.

• Fire Department Engine #1 purchase
• Funding from Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program for Sea Hill Rd rehabilitation
• Brook Lane paving agreement with Regional Water Authority
• Award of Bid #26120 for FF&E Public Works Addition Project
• Agreement with Taxserv Capital Services, LLC

The council moved to table the September 23 WPCA meeting minutes; the motion passed with all in favor and two abstentions. The council also approved the $12,300 fee for connecting a failing septic system at 1450 Middletown Ave to the sanitary sewer, with all members voting in favor.

• Motion to table September 23 WPCA minutes passed (all in favor, Councilor Pelliccia and Councilor Zampano abstained)
• Approved $12,300 sewer connection fee for 1450 Middletown Ave (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The North Branford Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on two applications. One is an appeal of a July 11, 2025 cease‑and‑desist order issued by the Zoning Enforcement Officer concerning commercial uses at 630 Forest Road, filed by the Mary Ferraro Family Trust and represented by Timothy J. Lee, Esq. The other is a variance request to reduce the front property line setback from 50 feet to 14 feet for an 11 × 13 foot greenhouse at 3 Lakeview Drive, submitted by Cynthia and Kennth Szombathy. The board may take action on these items after the hearing.

• Appeal of ZEO cease‑and‑desist order for commercial uses at 630 Forest Road (Application #2025-6)
• Variance request to reduce front setback to 14 ft (from 50 ft) for a greenhouse at 3 Lakeview Drive (Application #2025-7)

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved Application #2025-7, granting a variance to reduce the front‑property‑line setback for a greenhouse at 3 Lakeview Drive. The motion passed unanimously. The board also heard an appeal (Application #2025-6) concerning commercial use at 630 Forest Road, but no final action was recorded.

• Approved variance for 3 Lakeview Drive greenhouse (unanimous)

Permanent Project Building Committee

The Permanent Project Building Committee will consider approvals for past meeting minutes and a ceiling‑tile replacement project, including labor and material costs. The board will also review updates on the HVAC system and the request‑for‑proposal for a commissioning agent. Additional updates from the high school, intermediate school, and regional water district will be presented.

• Approval of Special Meeting Minutes 09/08/2025
• Approval of Meeting Minutes 10/06/2025
• Ceiling tile replacement approval – labor and material
• Review of HVAC system updates
• Review of RFP for commissioning agent

The Permanent Project Building Committee approved several project invoices, including a $182,331.72 invoice for the NBIS project. It also approved a ceiling‑tile replacement contract at the STWCC up to $74,000 and authorized advertising for a Commissioning Agent at the Edward Smith Library. All motions passed, with a few members abstaining on specific items.

• Approved special meeting minutes from 09/08/2025 (passed; abstentions: Chairman Whalen, Member Siena)
• Approved special meeting minutes from 10/06/2025 (passed; abstentions: Member Fonda, Member Siena)
• Moved ESL review of Commissioning Agent to agenda item 6.1 (passed)
• Approved ceiling‑tile replacement at STWCC not to exceed $74,000 (passed)
• Approved advertisement request for Commissioning Agent at Edward Smith Library (passed)
• Approved NBHS project invoices totaling $455,? (passed)
• Approved NBPD project invoice for $4,347.00 (passed; abstention: Vice Chairman Bailey)
• Approved NBIS project invoices totaling $211,139.32 (passed)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The North Branford Planning & Zoning Commission’s regular meeting scheduled for Oct. 16, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. was cancelled because there was no business. The next regular meeting is set for Nov. 6, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Hall Council Chambers, 909 Foxon Road.

Board of Education

The North Branford Board of Education Curriculum & Instruction Subcommittee will meet on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 5:15 p.m. in the conference room of the Stanley T. Williams Community Center. The agenda includes discussion of the Social Emotional Learning requirement and its impact, review of the 2024/2025 Student Achievement Analysis, and other curriculum‑related matters. No specific decisions are indicated in the agenda.

• Social Emotional Learning requirement and impact
• 2024/2025 Student Achievement Analysis
• Other curriculum related matters

Board of Education

The North Branford Board of Education will review its consent agenda, including approval of previous minutes, resignations and appointments. The superintendent’s report will include a finance discussion and action on the 2026‑2027 budget process calendar. The board will also discuss the NBHS renovation project. Additional committee reports and new business will be considered.

• Approval of Previous Minutes – discussion and action
• Resignations – discussion and action
• Appointments – discussion and action
• Finance Report – discussion and action regarding 2026/2027 budget process calendar
• NBHS Renovation Project – discussion

Agriculture Commission

The Agriculture Commission meeting set for Tuesday, October 14, 2025 was cancelled. No agenda items were considered or decided at this time.

Board of Fire Commissioners

The North Branford Board of Fire Commissioners will meet to consider actions regarding Engine 1. They will also review a realignment of the fire department's command staff. Additionally, the board will discuss job descriptions for the Training Officer and the EMS Officer. No other items are listed.

• Discussion/Action on Engine 1
• Discussion/Action on realignment of command staff
• Discussion/Action on job description for Training Officer and EMS Officer

The Board voted unanimously to approve the purchase of Engine 1 for no more than $1,085,000. It also approved creating a training officer and an EMS officer position and elevating Deputy Chiefs Esposito and Colangelo to Assistant Chiefs. The job descriptions for the new training and EMS officer positions were approved. The meeting was adjourned at 6:48 p.m.

• Approved purchase of Engine 1 not to exceed $1,085,000 (unanimous)
• Approved creation of training officer and EMS officer positions (unanimous)
• Approved appointment of Deputy Chiefs Esposito and Colangelo as Assistant Chiefs (unanimous)
• Approved job descriptions for training officer and EMS officer (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:48 p.m. (unanimous)

Board of Police Commissioners

The Board of Police Commissioners will consider several traffic‑authority requests, including a sign for Mill Road, a special‑needs child warning sign at 17 Ann Street, and improvements at the Route 80/22 and Mill Road/Route 22 intersections. The meeting also includes routine items such as the Officer of the Month award, a thank‑you note from the Caruso‑Bode Family, and statements from citizens and the press. No specific actions are noted in the agenda.

• Request for Traffic Sign on Mill Road (Ashley Fernandez)
• Request for “Special Needs Child in Area Please Drive Carefully” sign at 17 Ann Street (Ashley Fernandez)
• Traffic Improvements at Route 80/22 and Mill Road/Route 22 Intersections (Ashley Fernandez)
• Officer of the Month: Sgt. Miserendino and Officer Travino‑Marinez
• Thank you note from Caruso‑Bode Family to Deputy Chief Pendleton, Sgt. Hannon, and Officer Perrotti

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the September 8, 2025 meeting. It also unanimously approved a four‑way stop sign at the intersection of Mill and Ann streets. A “Child with Special Needs” sign for Ann Street was approved unanimously. The request for additional traffic improvements at Route 80/22 and Mill Road/Route 22 intersections was tabled pending further discussion with the state.

• Approved September 8, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved 4‑way stop sign at Mill and Ann streets (unanimous)
• Approved "Child with Special Needs" sign on Ann Street (unanimous)
• Tabled traffic improvements request for Route 80/22 and Mill Road/Route 22 intersections (unanimous)

Solid/Hazardous Waste & Recycling Committee

The Solid/Hazardous Waste & Recycling Committee will meet to review several recycling and waste‑related subjects. Topics include schools and research, textile and child‑car seat recycling, plastic wrap, leaf drop‑off, and an update on recycling cards. The meeting also covers routine items such as approving prior minutes and public statements.

• Schools/Research
• Textile/Child Card Seat Recycling
• Plastic Wrap
• Leaf Drop Off
• Recycling Card Update

The committee voted to add an E‑Waste event to the agenda, with all members in favor. The September 11, 2025 minutes were approved after correcting a roll‑call error, with all members in favor and one abstention. The meeting was then adjourned by a unanimous motion.

• Added E‑Waste event to agenda (all in favor)
• Approved September 11, 2025 minutes (all in favor, Petroskey abstained)
• Adjourned meeting (all in favor)

Library Board

The Library Board will meet to discuss and take action on several operational policies. The agenda includes reviews of liability waivers, social media guidelines, and circulation rules.

• Liability waivers and hold harmless agreements
• Social Media Policy
• Circulation Policy
• Book suppliers

The board voted to approve the September 10, 2025 meeting minutes, with all members in favor. No other motions were decided. The board discussed upcoming library projects and programs, but no formal actions were taken. The meeting was adjourned at 6:51 p.m.

• Approved September 10, 2025 minutes (unanimous)

Veterans Service Commission

The Veterans Service Commission will meet to discuss the Hall of Honor sub-committee and the POW/MIA Ceremony. The body will also review a donation from INYC for a new tent and the St. Patrick’s Parade in New Haven.

• Hall of Honor sub-committee discussion and action
• POW/MIA Ceremony and Connecticut Veterans Affairs Stand Down
• Donation from INYC for a new tent
• Discussion on the St. Patrick’s Parade in New Haven
• Statement from Kathy Poston, Veterans Representative for North Branford

The Veterans Service Commission approved the minutes from the September 2, 2025 meeting. Member Charles Larkins moved to approve, Vice‑Chair Hamlet Hernandez seconded, Chair Zakary Poston abstained, and the motion passed with all votes in favor. No other actions were formally decided; remaining items were discussed only.

• Approved September 2, 2025 minutes (all in favor, chair abstained)

Permanent Project Building Committee

The Permanent Project Building Committee will consider updates on the NBHS, NBIS, STWCC, Storage Shed, and Edward Smith projects. It will also discuss a retainage reduction and HVAC needs for the NBPD. Additional items include review of invoices and legal matters.

• NBHS – project update
• NBIS – project update
• STWCC – project update
• Retainage reduction
• NBPD – HVAC

The Permanent Project Building Committee approved the corrected minutes from 09/22/2025, reduced retainage to 2.5% for three contractors and rejected the same reduction for two others. It also approved several project invoices totaling $311,319.77 and added $20,000 to the purchase order for QA+M. All motions passed, with only one abstention on the NBPD invoice.

• Approved 09/22/2025 minutes with correction (all in favor; Canosa abstained)
• Approved retainage reduction to 2.5% for Acranom Masonry, Silktown Roofing, Barall & Konover Floors (all in favor)
• Rejected retainage reduction to 2.5% for Professional Painting and Stonehedge Landscaping (all in favor)
• Approved NBHS invoices totaling $311,319.77 (all in favor)
• Added $20,000 to PO for QA+M (all in favor)
• Approved NBPD invoice for $1,007.50 (all in favor; Bailey abstained)
• Approved Edward Smith Library invoice for $542.50 (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:26 p.m. (all in favor)

Economic Development Commission

The Economic Development Commission will review old‑business items, including the town’s strategic plan and affordable housing initiatives. It will hear reports from the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce, the assistant town manager, and the planning & zoning department. Citizens will also be invited to make statements.

• Strategic Plan (old business)
• Affordable Housing (old business)
• Shoreline Chamber of Commerce report
• Assistant Town Manager’s report
• Planning & Zoning report

The commission approved the September 8, 2025 meeting minutes with all in favor and one abstention (Dan). Members decided to place roughly $140,000‑$150,000 from recent town property sales into a dedicated Economic Development Fund. The commission agreed to adopt a more assertive advisory role on housing and growth and to schedule a joint meeting with Planning & Zoning before year‑end. It also committed to revisit its mission, vision and values and to compare affordable‑ versus workforce‑housing definitions.

• Approved September 8, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor, 1 abstention)
• Allocate $140,000‑$150,000 property‑sale proceeds to Economic Development Fund
• Adopt more assertive advisory role on housing and economic growth
• Plan joint meeting with Planning & Zoning Commission before year‑end
• Revisit EDC mission, vision and values statements
• Include Vision Statement & 5‑Year Development Plan on next agenda
• Compare affordable housing vs. workforce housing definitions
• Identify priority locations for new housing and development

Board of Fire Commissioners

The Board of Fire Commissioners meeting scheduled for October 2, 2025 was canceled. The cancellation was due to a lack of quorum, so no agenda items were considered.

Planning & Zoning Commission

The North Branford Planning & Zoning Commission's regular meeting scheduled for October 2, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. was cancelled due to lack of business. The next regular meeting is set for October 16, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Hall Council Chambers, 909 Foxon Road. No agenda items were presented for this date.

Board of Education

The Policy Subcommittee will meet to discuss three pending policies. The items are P1400 – CT School Climate Policy and Regulations, P1450 – Restorative Practices Response, and P1515 – Meal Charging. No decisions are recorded as the agenda lists only discussion topics.

• P1400 – CT School Climate Policy and Regulations
• P1450 – Restorative Practices Response
• P1515 – Meal Charging

Permanent Project Building Committee

The scheduled September 29, 2025 Permanent Project Building Committee meeting was cancelled. No agenda items were discussed or decided.

Blueprint Committee

The Blueprint Committee will meet to discuss and take action on updates regarding North Branford town properties. The committee will also discuss the needs of athletic fields within the town.

• Update on North Branford Town Properties
• Discussion of athletic fields and their needs

The Blueprint Committee approved the minutes from the January 23, 2025 meeting, with two members abstaining. Members were informed that the town properties at 672 Totoket Rd and 127 Old Post Rd have been sold, and that an RFQ is being prepared for 1599 Foxon Rd. The committee discussed needs for town athletic fields, including lighting and irrigation. A motion to add meetings on November 20, 2025 at Atwater Library and December 18, 2025 at Smith Library was passed unanimously.

• Approved Jan 23 2025 minutes (abstentions: Nowak, Abelson)
• Added November 20 2025 meeting at Atwater Library (unanimous)
• Added December 18 2025 meeting at Smith Library (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:21 p.m. (unanimous)

Conservation & Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency (CIWWA)

The Conservation & Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency will hold a public hearing and consider action on a subdivision application. The agency will also review meeting minutes and the Wetland Enforcement Officer's report.

• Public hearing and possible action on Appl. #2025-2 for a five-lot subdivision at West Pond Road/Glenwood Road (BIC Investment Properties LLC, Bruce Ciccone)

The Conservation & Inland Wetlands Agency approved the application for a five‑lot subdivision on West Pond Road and Glenwood Road, adding specific conditions to protect wetlands. The commission also adopted Robert’s Rules of Order for future minutes, approved the minutes of the June, July and August 2025 meetings, closed the public hearing, and adjourned the session.

• Approved June 18, 2025 minutes (3-1, Whitworth abstained)
• Approved July 23, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved August 27, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adopted Robert’s Rules of Order for future minutes (unanimous)
• Approved subdivision application #2025‑2 with added conditions (unanimous)
• Closed the public hearing (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:55 p.m. (unanimous)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The commission will meet to discuss and take action on improvements to the Stanley T. Williams Community Center and town parks and fields. The agenda also includes updates from the Blueprint and Permanent Project Building committees and discussion regarding the Potato Festival.

• STW Improvements discussion and action
• Parks and fields discussion and action
• Blueprint Committee updates
• Permanent Project Building Committee updates
• Potato Festival discussion and action

The commission approved the August 26, 2025 meeting minutes, with two members abstaining. It adopted a summary‑minute format, with one abstention. The board voted to partner with Beyond the Horizon to install communication boards at North Farms and Northford parks, sharing costs equally. The commission also accepted a donated illuminated marketing light sign for use by Parks and Recreation.

• Approved August 26, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor, 2 abstentions – Chairman Torino & Commissioner DeMatteo)
• Added line item 5(c) to agenda (all in favor)
• Adopted summary‑minute format for meeting minutes (all in favor, 1 abstention – Chairman Torino)
• Approved partnership with Beyond the Horizon for communication boards at North Farms and Northford parks (all in favor)
• Accepted donated illuminated marketing light sign for POCO and Parks & Recreation (all in favor)

Town Council Meetings

The North Branford Town Council will consider and act on several agenda items, including the approval of a multi‑year capital improvement plan, the award of engineering services for the Edward Smith Library, and various administrative matters such as appointments and election‑related actions. The council will also discuss the use of proceeds from the sale of town‑owned properties and updates on sewer extension projects.

• Approval of 2025‑6 through 2030‑31 Capital Improvement Plan (Section 8‑24 review returned)
• Award of RFP #926018 – Edward Smith Library Engineering Services
• Proposed purchase of replacement lawn mower
• Renewal of Augur House Agreement
• Participation in new national opioid settlement with listed pharmaceutical companies

The Town Council approved the minutes from the August 19 and September 16 WPCA meetings. The council also approved the application to connect the property at 20 Fox Hill Drive to the sanitary sewer system. All motions passed with unanimous support.

• Approved August 19, 2025 WPCA & Town Council minutes (all in favor; abstentions: Goad, Palladino)
• Approved September 16, 2025 Special WPCA & Town Council minutes (all in favor; abstentions: Macmillen, Miller)
• Approved application to connect 20 Fox Hill Drive to sanitary sewers (all in favor)

Permanent Project Building Committee

The Permanent Project Building Committee will consider routine agenda items, including approval of prior meeting minutes and updates on school projects and facilities. Items include approval of the August 25, 2025 meeting minutes and the September 8, 2025 special meeting minutes, updates on North Branford High School (glass, punchlist, retainage reduction), an update on North Branford Intermediate School, a storage shed update, invoice review, and legal matters. The meeting is scheduled for September 22, 2025 at 6:00 PM in the Town Council Chambers.

• Approval of Meeting Minutes 08/25/2025
• Approval of Special Meeting Minutes 09/8/2025
• NBHS updates: glass, punchlist, retainage reduction
• NBIS update
• Storage Shed update

The committee approved the corrected minutes from 08/25/2025 and tabled the 09/08/2025 special meeting minutes. It passed a motion to reduce retainage percentages on four contract items. The board approved multiple invoices for the NBHS project and a separate invoice for the NBPD project. The meeting was adjourned at 7:34 p.m.

• Approved 08/25/2025 minutes with corrections (all in favor)
• Tabled 09/08/2025 special meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Reduced retainage on four contract items to 0% (all in favor)
• Approved NBHS invoices totaling $92,? (all in favor)
• Approved NBPD invoice for $1,842.50 (abstain: Vice Chairman Bailey)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:34 p.m. (all in favor)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a residential property re-subdivision. The body will also review the town's 2025-26 through 2030-31 Capital Improvement Program.

• Public hearing for Appl. #2025-8: re-subdivision of 254 Parsonage Hill Road to create one residential parcel ('Diamond D Estates')
• Review of the Town of North Branford’s 2025-26 – 2030-31 Capital Improvement Program
• Street address reassignment of 804 Forest Road to 60 Spruce Street
• Discussion of Schedule A
• Presentation and discussion of Town Center Form Based Code

The Planning & Zoning Commission voted 4‑0 to approve the resubdivision of 254 Parsonage Hill Road, creating a single residential parcel at 260 Parsonage Hill Road, subject to multiple conditions. The commission also approved changing the address of 804 Forest Road to 60 Spruce Street by a 4‑0 vote. Additionally, the commission reported favorably on the Town Council’s 2025‑2026 through 2030‑2031 Capital Improvement Plan with a 3‑1 vote.

• Approved resubdivision of 254 Parsonage Hill Rd (260 Parsonage Hill Rd) (4‑0)
• Approved change of address from 804 Forest Rd to 60 Spruce St (4‑0)
• Reported favorably on 2025‑2026 to 2030‑2031 Capital Improvement Plan (3‑1, 1 abstain)
• Closed public hearing on Application #2025‑8 (4‑0)
• Motion to adjourn passed (unanimous)

Board of Education

The Board of Education Curriculum & Instruction Subcommittee will meet to continue its discussion of teacher burnout. It will also receive updates on book studies and community partnerships, review preliminary student achievement results, and consider other curriculum‑related matters.

• Continued Discussion: Teacher Burnout
• Book Studies/Community Partnership Updates
• Preliminary Student Achievement Results (as available)
• Other curriculum related matters

Board of Education

The North Branford Board of Education will consider its consent agenda, including approval of the previous meeting minutes. The board will discuss several superintendent reports, notably the NBHS Renovation Project, finance report, and authority to hire. Committee reports, such as negotiations that may be in executive session, will also be reviewed.

• Approval of previous meeting minutes (consent agenda)
• Discussion of NBHS Renovation Project
• Superintendent’s report on authority to hire
• Finance report discussion
• Committee report on negotiations (potential executive session)

Town Council Meetings

The regular Town Council and WPCA meeting set for September 16, 2025 was cancelled. A special joint meeting of the WPCA and Town Council is now scheduled for September 23, 2025.

Town Council Meetings

The North Branford Town Council will meet via Zoom on September 16, 2025. The council will discuss and take action on the FY2025-2026 Sewer Works Operational Budget.

• Discussion & Action: FY2025-2026 Sewer Works Operational Budget

The council adopted the Water Pollution Control Authority's sewer operating budget for FY 2025‑26 and established a sewer use fee of $500 per unit. The motion was moved by Councilor Pelliccia, seconded by Councilor Zampano, and passed unanimously (7‑0). The meeting was then adjourned by a unanimous vote (7‑0).

• Adopt FY 2025‑26 sewer operating budget and $500 per unit fee (7‑0)
• Adjourn meeting (7‑0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The North Branford Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing and may take action on an appeal concerning a cease‑and‑desist order issued on July 11, 2025. The appeal (Application #2025-6) involves commercial uses at 630 Forest Road and is filed by the Mary Ferraro Family Trust, represented by Timothy J. Lee, Esq. The meeting also includes routine items such as approval of minutes from the July 21, 2025 meeting.

• Application #2025-6 – Appeal of ZEO cease‑and‑desist order for commercial uses at 630 Forest Road

The board postponed the hearing on Application #2025-6 for 630 Forest Road to the October 20, 2025 meeting, citing a lack of quorum. The motion to postpone was carried unanimously. The minutes from the July 21, 2025 meeting were also tabled to the next meeting for the same reason. The meeting was adjourned at 7:26 p.m. after a unanimous motion.

• Postponed Application #2025-6 hearing to Oct 20, 2025 (unanimous)
• Tabled minutes of July 21, 2025 to next meeting (lack of quorum)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:26 p.m. (unanimous)

Solid/Hazardous Waste & Recycling Committee

The committee will meet to discuss waste management topics including e-waste in October and plastic wrap. Members will also address committee responsibilities and potential changes to their meeting location.

• Discussion of E-Waste October
• Discussion of Plastic Wrap
• POCO Festival wrap up
• Selection of backups for Committee responsibilities (October-Dec Chair)
• Proposal to move alternate meeting location to the Police conference room

The Solid/Hazardous Waste & Recycling Committee approved the July 10, 2025 meeting minutes, with two members abstaining. Member Pursley volunteered to serve as chair for the October‑December period. The committee also agreed to keep the Appreciation for Years of Service award for Tom on its agenda.

• Approved July 10, 2025 minutes (all in favor, abstentions: Bigelow, Pursley)
• Member Pursley volunteered to chair committee meetings Oct‑Dec 2025
• Committee will retain the Years of Service award item on future agendas

Public Safety Communications Committee

The Public Safety Communications Committee will meet to receive an update on Fire Department equipment and review a report previously delivered to the Town Council. The body will also consider a request from Chief Lovelace regarding the installation of slot fencing at the Tilcon Tower Site.

• Update on Fire Department Equipment
• Review of report to Town Council from August meeting
• Request for slot fencing installation at Tilcon Tower Site

Library Board

The North Branford Library Board will meet to approve minutes from the August meeting, discuss unfinished business including liability waivers and social media policies, and review the FY24/25 annual statistical report.

• Approval of August 13, 2025 minutes
• Discussion on liability waivers and hold harmless agreements
• Review of Social Media Policy
• Review of Collection Development and Maintenance Policy
• Review of FY24/25 annual statistical report

The board approved the August 13, 2025 meeting minutes, with Vice Chair Anderson and Member Macmillen abstaining. The board also approved four library policies—Display, Programming, Collection Development and Maintenance, and Material Review and Reconsideration—presented by the Library Director, with no abstentions. No other actions were taken.

• Approved August 13, 2025 minutes (abstentions: Vice Chair Anderson, Member Macmillen)
• Approved Display, Programming, Collection Development & Maintenance, and Material Review & Reconsideration policies (no abstentions)

Agriculture Commission

The Agriculture Commission will meet to discuss and take action on two items of old business. The meeting includes a review of the Community Connection Day and the Right-To-Farm Ordinance.

• Community Connection Day
• Right-To-Farm Ordinance

The Agriculture Commission unanimously approved the minutes from the August 12, 2025 meeting. It also unanimously voted to present the Right-to-Farm Ordinance to the Town Council at the next council meeting. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved August 12, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Approved motion to present Right-to-Farm Ordinance to Town Council (all in favor)
• Approved adjournment of the meeting (all in favor)

Board of Assessment Appeals

The Board of Assessment Appeals will hold its regular meeting on September 9, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the Assessor’s Office at Town Hall. The agenda includes reviewing minutes from the September 8, 2025 meeting, hearing scheduled appeals to the Motor Vehicles concerning the October 1, 2024 Grand List, and handling correspondence before adjourning.

• Review minutes from September 8, 2025 meeting
• Hear appeals to Motor Vehicles on Oct 1 2024 Grand List
• Consider correspondence
• Adjourn meeting

The North Branford Board of Assessment Appeals met on September 9, 2025. It heard an appeal from Albert Zichichi concerning an overvalued motor‑vehicle assessment. The board acted to reduce the assessed value to $28,000 based on the vehicle’s MSRP and depreciation schedule. The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

• Reduced Albert Zichichi's motor vehicle assessed value to $28,000

Finance Sub-committee of the Town Council

The Town Council Finance Sub-committee will meet to discuss several administrative and financial items. The agenda includes a review of the preliminary 2025-2026 Sewer Works Operating Fund Budget and a financial report dated August 31, 2025.

• Preliminary 2025-2026 Sewer Works Operating Fund Budget
• Police Extra Duty Administrative Charge Reimbursements
• Criteria for Retirement Sick Time Payout
• Appropriation transfers 2024-2025
• Update on Solar Farm

The sub‑committee approved the August 12, 2025 meeting minutes with a 3‑0‑1 vote. It reached consensus to advance police extra‑duty reimbursements, vacation and sick‑leave payout changes for administrators, criteria for sick‑time payout, a new Account Clerk‑1 Tax position, and the preliminary sewer‑works operating budget (maintaining the $500 fee) to the full Town Council at the September 23, 2025 special meeting. The longevity‑pay increase request was not advanced. No other items received a formal vote.

• Approved August 12, 2025 minutes (3-0-1)
• Advanced police extra‑duty reimbursement item to full Council
• Advanced vacation payout change for administrators to full Council
• Advanced sick‑leave payout change (300 days) to full Council
• Did not advance longevity‑pay increase request
• Advanced criteria for sick‑time payout to full Council
• Advanced new Account Clerk‑1 Tax position to full Council
• Advanced preliminary sewer‑works operating budget, keeping $500 fee, to full Council

Board of Assessment Appeals

The Board of Assessment Appeals will meet to conduct hearings regarding appeals to motor vehicles on the October 1, 2024 Grand List. The board will also review minutes from the March 5, 2025 meeting.

• Hearings for motor vehicle appeals on the October 1, 2024 Grand List
• Approval of minutes from the March 5, 2025 regular meeting

The Board of Assessment Appeals approved the minutes from the March 5, 2025 meeting after a motion and second. With no appeals to consider, the board then voted to adjourn the September 8, 2025 meeting, which passed unanimously.

• Approved March 5, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned September 8, 2025 meeting (unanimous)

Board of Police Commissioners

The North Branford Board of Police Commissioners holds its regular meeting on September 8, 2025, to review department reports, discuss fiscal year finances, and consider citizen traffic requests. No formal decisions are listed in the agenda, but several items require potential action.

• Financial review of 2025 fiscal year
• Guilford Fence quote for impound lot fencing
• Traffic sign request for Mill Road (Ashley Fernandez)
• Traffic light upgrade at Route 80/Twin Lakes Road (Lori Vogt)
• Autism safety sign request for Glen Road (Stephanie Wemssem)

The Board of Police Commissioners unanimously approved installing an autism safety sign on Glen Road and no‑parking signs on Beech Street. They also sent a request for a left‑turn signal on Route 80/Twin Lakes Road to the State DOT. Additional unanimous actions included moving to executive session, allowing the Chief to perform consulting work with no town impact, and designating Matt Lannucci as a supernumerary officer after POSTC certification.

• Approved autism safety sign for Glen Road (unanimous)
• Approved no‑parking signs on Beech Street (unanimous)
• Sent traffic light upgrade request for Route 80/Twin Lakes Road to State DOT (unanimous)
• Moved to executive session (unanimous)
• Allowed Chief to perform consulting work with zero town impact (unanimous)
• Designated Matt Lannucci as supernumerary officer after POSTC certification (unanimous)
• Added item 9e under traffic to discuss rumple strips (unanimous)
• Tabled traffic signal request for Mill Road pending engineer response (unanimous)

Permanent Project Building Committee

The Permanent Project Building Committee will meet to review RFP interviews and discuss the award strategy for an HVAC Engineer for the Edward Smith Library. The meeting includes a potential executive session for these discussions.

• RFP review and award strategy for Edward Smith Library HVAC Engineer

The Permanent Project Building Committee voted to award AI Engineers up to $40,000 for the Edward Smith Library HVAC replacement. It also approved increases to Paul Griese’s purchase order by $5,000 and QA+M’s purchase order by $11,769.56, and authorized payment of multiple project invoices. The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m.

• Awarded AI Engineers up to $40,000 for Edward Smith Library HVAC (all in favor)
• Increased Paul Griese’s purchase order by $5,000 (all in favor)
• Increased QA+M’s purchase order by $11,769.56 (all in favor)
• Approved invoices for NBHS project totaling $476,000.00 (all in favor)
• Approved special meeting minutes of 08/13/25 (all in favor)
• Authorized Purchasing Agent Fumiatti to obtain commissioning‑agent information (all in favor)
• Approved invoices for NBPD project totaling $13,000.00 (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:00 p.m. (all in favor)

Economic Development Commission

The North Branford Economic Development Commission will hold a regular meeting to review minutes from the June 2025 meeting, hear citizen statements, and discuss new business including form-based zoning and affordable housing. The commission will also review old business related to the town’s strategic plan and receive reports from local organizations and town departments.

• Discussion of form-based zoning proposals
• Review of affordable housing initiatives

The Economic Development Commission approved the minutes from the June 2, 2025 meeting. A motion by Scott was seconded by Barbara and passed with all members in favor; Pete abstained. The commission also discussed form‑based zoning, affordable‑housing options, and the strategic plan, but no further actions were voted on.

• Approved June 2, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor, Pete abstained)

Board of Fire Commissioners

The Board of Fire Commissioners will conduct the swearing-in of Fire Chief Lennon. The body will also discuss and potentially take action on billing, fees, and departmental positions.

• Swearing in ceremony for Fire Chief Lennon
• Discussion/Action on Fire Rescue Billing and Fire Marshal Fees
• Discussion/Action on RFP for Ambulance Billing
• Discussion/Action on Social Media Policy and Department Chaplain
• Discussion/Action on Town call boxes and three Deputy Chiefs’ positions

The Board approved the minutes from the August 7 and August 18 meetings. It also approved the Company #1 fundraiser scheduled for October 4‑5. Several items—including fire rescue billing, fire marshal fees, the social media policy, and the town call boxes proposal—were tabled for later consideration. The meeting was adjourned with all members in favor.

• Approved August 7, 2025 minutes (4 in favor, 1 abstention)
• Approved August 18, 2025 minutes (all in favor)
• Approved Company #1 fundraiser for Oct 4‑5 (all in favor)
• Tabled fire rescue billing discussion
• Tabled fire marshal fees discussion
• Tabled social media policy
• Tabled town call boxes proposal
• Adjourned meeting (all in favor)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The North Branford Planning & Zoning Commission will review the 2025–2031 Capital Improvement Program as required by state statute and discuss a town center form-based code update. No specific decisions are listed; the meeting follows a standard agenda with no substantive items beyond the CIP referral.

• Section 8-24 referral of 2025-2031 Capital Improvement Program for review
• Town Center Form Based Code presentation and discussion scheduled

The Planning & Zoning Commission moved to continue consideration of the Town’s 2025‑26 Capital Improvement Program to the next meeting; the motion was seconded and approved. A motion to adjourn the meeting was also seconded and passed. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Continued review of the 2025‑26 Capital Improvement Program to next meeting (approved)
• Adjourned the meeting (approved)

Veterans Service Commission

The Veterans Service Commission will meet to approve minutes and discuss plans for a POW/MIA ceremony on September 19th and a Stand Down event on the same day.

• Approval of August 5, 2025 minutes
• POW/MIA ceremony at North Branford Congregational Church green
• Connecticut Veterans Affairs Stand Down event
• November 4th meeting scheduled for Election Day

The commission approved the minutes from the August 5, 2025 meeting. It agreed to revise the Veterans Hall of Honor nomination form and create an online fillable version, with a dedicated email address for applications. The POW/MIA ceremony was scheduled for September 19, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. at the North Branford Congregational Church. The regular November 4, 2025 meeting was rescheduled to Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at the Smith Library.

• Approved minutes from August 5, 2025 (all in favor)
• Approved revisions to Veterans Hall of Honor nomination form and to develop online fillable version
• Scheduled POW/MIA ceremony for September 19, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. at North Branford Congregational Church
• Moved November 4, 2025 meeting to November 5, 2025 at Smith Library

Blueprint Committee

The North Branford Blueprint Committee will meet to discuss updates on town properties and the progress of the Center Committee. The meeting is procedural with no major decisions expected.

Conservation & Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency (CIWWA)

The North Branford Conservation & Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency will hold a public hearing on a subdivision application for six lots at the intersection of West Pond Road and Glenwood Road. The meeting will also review minutes from prior sessions and receive a wetland enforcement officer’s report.

• Public hearing on Appl. #2025-2 for subdivision of six lots at West Pond Road/Glenwood Road (BIC Investment Properties LLC, Bruce Ciccone)
• Wetland enforcement officer report on tree cutting at 175 Twin Lakes Road

The agency voted to table the June 18 and July 23, 2025 meeting minutes until the September meeting. A motion to continue the public hearing on Application #2025-2 until the September 24 meeting was passed. The commission agreed to hold a site walk on September 6, 2025 at 10 AM. The agency also approved the authorized agent for tree cutting at 175 Twin Lakes Road after the applicant paid the required fee.

• Table June 18, 2025 minutes until September meeting (unanimous)
• Table July 23, 2025 minutes until September meeting (unanimous)
• Continue public hearing for Application #2025-2 until September 24 meeting (unanimous)
• Schedule site walk for September 6, 2025 at 10 AM (agreed)
• Approve authorized agent for tree cutting at 175 Twin Lakes Road (fee paid)
• Adjourn meeting at 7:48 p.m. (unanimous)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission will hold a meeting to approve previous meeting minutes, hear a director’s report, and discuss unfinished business including STW Community Center improvements and parks and fields updates. New business items include updates from the Blueprint Committee and Permanent Project Building Committee, as well as planning for the Potato Festival.

• Approve minutes from June 24, 2025 meeting
• Discuss STW Community Center improvements
• Review parks and fields updates
• Receive Blueprint Committee updates
• Review Permanent Project Building Committee updates

The commission approved the June 24, 2025 meeting minutes and moved the Potato Festival item to the agenda. It also accepted a donation of new soccer goals for Northford Park from the North Branford Soccer Club. No action was taken on the resident’s request for a cardboard recycling dumpster.

• Approved June 24, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Moved line item 9 “Potato Festival discussion and action” to line item 3 (all in favor)
• Accepted donation of new soccer goals for Northford Park (all in favor)

Permanent Project Building Committee

The committee will hold its regular meeting to approve prior meeting minutes, review updates on school and town projects (including NBHS repairs and NBIS updates), discuss a storage shed, and convene an executive session to interview HVAC engineer RFP candidates for the Edward Smith Library.

• Approval of minutes from 08/04/2025 and 08/13/2025
• NBHS White Boards repair completion (Pro Paint, 8/5/2025)
• Executive session for HVAC Engineer RFP interviews (Edward Smith Library)
• NBPD HVAC and warranty/punchlist review
• Review of project invoices

The Permanent Project Building Committee approved several motions, including moving agenda item 9 STWCC up to 4.5, approving the meeting minutes with corrections, and tabling the special meeting minutes from 08/13/2025. It approved a retainage reduction from 2.5% to 0% for miscellaneous metals and site work, and authorized flood testing on the NBHS living roof up to $28,200. The committee also approved multiple invoices for NBHS, NBIS, and NBPD projects and authorized an executive session to discuss the HVAC engineer RFP for the Edward Smith Library.

• Agenda item 9 STWCC moved up to 4.5 – approved
• Meeting minutes of 08/04/2025 approved with corrections – approved (Siena abstained)
• Special meeting minutes of 08/13/2025 – tabled
• Retainage reduction to 0% for miscellaneous metals and site work – approved
• Flood testing on NBHS living roof up to $28,200 – approved
• Executive session authorized (2‑3 vote) to discuss HVAC engineer RFP for Edward Smith Library – approved
• Invoices for NBHS project approved – approved
• Invoices for NBIS and NBPD projects approved – approved

Planning & Zoning Commission

The North Branford Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on a special use permit for an oversized detached garage at 10 Caputo Road and a site plan review for a child daycare center at 195 Foxon Road. The meeting will also include a discussion on the Town Center Form Based Code and a presentation of scheduled applications.

• Special Use Permit request for 1,200 sq ft oversized garage at 10 Caputo Road (Appl. #2025-6)
• Site Plan request for child daycare center at 195 Foxon Road (Appl. #2025-7)
• Town Center Form Based Code presentation and discussion
• Public hearing on oversized garage proposal
• Schedule A discussion

The Planning & Zoning Commission approved a special use permit allowing Matthew Izzo to build a 1,200‑square‑foot detached garage at 10 Caputo Road. The commission also adopted an 8‑24 referral to extend a town‑owned sewer main from 286 Branford Road to 1599 Foxon Road. Both actions passed unanimously.

• Approved Special Use Permit #2025-6 for oversized garage at 10 Caputo Road (4-0)
• Closed public hearing on file #2025-6 (4-0)
• Adopted 8-24 referral to extend sewer main from 286 Branford Rd to 1599 Foxon Rd (4-0)
• Approved incorporation of 6B referral for sewer extension (4-0)

Board of Education

The Curriculum & Instruction Subcommittee is meeting to review professional learning plans and new teacher orientation. The body will also discuss educator evaluation plans and the impact of curriculum implementation on teacher burnout.

• Summer Learning and August Professional Learning Plans
• New Teacher Orientation
• 2025/2026 Subcommittee Meeting Dates
• 25-26 Educator & Administrator Evaluation and Support Plans
• Curriculum demands and teacher burnout

Board of Education

The North Branford Board of Education will meet to review routine items like minutes and resignations, but the most consequential discussions involve a potential meal price increase for school food service and updates on the North Branford High School renovation project. The board will also review committee reports, including curriculum and building committee updates, and discuss the superintendent’s 2025/2026 goals and evaluation.

• North Branford School Food Service – Meal Price Increase – Discussion and action
• NBHS Renovation Project – Discussion
• Curriculum, Instruction and Strategic Planning – Discussion and action (including teacher evaluations)
• Authority to Hire – Discussion under Superintendent’s Report
• Evaluation of the Superintendent – Continuation – Discussion

Town Council Meetings

The North Branford Town Council will meet on August 19, 2025, to discuss and act on several key items, including participation in a national opioid settlement, sewer connection applications, and tax refunds. The meeting will also honor local service recipients and address resignations and appointments.

• Temporary construction easement for sanitary sewer line on 1599 Foxon Road
• WPCA application to connect 17 Walnut Lane (Map 73, Lot 34) to sanitary sewers
• Participation in New National Opioid Settlement with Purdue and Affiliates
• Award of bid #926017 for 672 Totoket Rd
• Resignation of William Seward, III as Emergency Management Director (effective July 23, 2025)

The Town Council approved moving $414,554 from the general fund to offset the cost of upgrading energy management systems at Jerome Harrison School and the Auditorium, with the remaining $60,000-$70,000 to come from the 2025-2026 Capital Improvement Fund. The council also authorized the sale of 672 Totoket Road for $142,000, approved a temporary construction easement for a sewer line at 1599 Foxon Road (6-1), and authorized participation in the Purdue Opioids Direct Settlement. Several other routine items were approved, including tax refunds, appropriation transfers, and contingency transfers.

• Approved $414,554 transfer for HVAC/energy management upgrades at Jerome Harrison and Auditorium (7-0)
• Authorized sale of 672 Totoket Road for $142,000 (7-0)
• Approved temporary construction easement for sewer line at 1599 Foxon Road (6-1)
• Approved WPCA connection for 17 Walnut Lane to sanitary sewers (unanimous)
• Authorized participation in Purdue Opioids Direct Settlement (unanimous)
• Re-appointed William Galdenzi to Planning & Zoning Commission (unanimous)
• Approved $7,522.35 tax refund to Cotality Centralized Refunds (unanimous)
• Approved $13,762.53 police admin reimbursement (6-1)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The North Branford Zoning Board of Appeals cancelled its regularly scheduled meeting on August 18, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. due to lack of business. The next meeting is scheduled for September 15, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Hall Council Chambers.

Board of Fire Commissioners

The North Branford Board of Fire Commissioners will hold a special meeting to discuss and potentially appoint a new Fire Chief. No other substantive items are listed on the agenda.

• Appointment of new Fire Chief

The Board of Fire Commissioners voted unanimously to appoint Richard Lennon as the new fire chief, effective September 1, 2025. The board also voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 5:04 p.m.

• Appointed Richard Lennon as fire chief (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Permanent Project Building Committee

The Permanent Project Building Committee will meet to conduct RFP interviews. The body will discuss the strategy for awarding an HVAC Engineer contract for the Edward Smith Library.

• RFP interviews for Edward Smith Library HVAC Engineer

The Permanent Project Building Committee approved a motion to convene in executive session for RFP interviews and discussion of strategy regarding the award of the HVAC engineer for Edward Smith. The motion was passed with all members in favor. The committee also approved a motion to adjourn the meeting at 4:50 p.m., also unanimously.

• Convene executive session for HVAC engineer RFP interviews and strategy discussion (unanimous)
• Adjourn meeting at 4:50 p.m. (unanimous)

Pension Committee

The Pension Committee will meet to review and act upon a Pension RFP and the USI Quarterly Report. The body will also discuss a pension request from Thomas Murdock.

• Action on Pension RFP
• Discussion on pension request of Thomas Murdock
• Possible action on USI Quarterly Report
• Approval of May 14, 2025 meeting minutes

The committee unanimously accepted the May 14, 2025 minutes. Thomas Murdock's pension was confirmed at $213.84 per month effective July 1, 2025. Discussion on the Pension Advisor RFP was tabled. The meeting was adjourned at 5:44 p.m. with a unanimous motion.

• Accepted May 14 minutes (unanimously carried)
• Tabled discussion on Pension Advisor RFP
• Adjourned meeting (unanimously carried)

Library Board

The North Branford Library Board will meet on August 13, 2025, to discuss and potentially vote on unfinished business including liability waivers and social media policy, as well as new policies such as the library display policy, program policy, and revisions to collection development and library material review policies.

• Liability waivers and hold harmless agreements
• Social Media Policy
• Library Display Policy
• Program Policy
• Revisions to Collection Development and Maintenance Policy

The Library Board voted to approve the minutes from the June 11, 2025 meeting, with all members in favor and no abstentions. No other actions were formally decided. The board discussed new library policies required by state law but did not adopt them. No updates were reported on liability waivers or the social media policy.

• Approved June 11, 2025 minutes (unanimous)

Finance Sub-committee of the Town Council

The Town Council Finance Sub-committee will meet to discuss several contingency requests and financial reports. The body will review accounting for the STW Pavilion Project and police administration charges.

• Contingency request for administrator merit raises (FY 25-26)
• Contingency request for toters
• Accounting of STW Pavilion Project
• Accounting for Police Admin Charges (FY 24 & 25)
• Financial Report as of May 31, 2024

The committee approved the May 13, 2025 minutes unanimously. It voted 3‑0 to amend the agenda, adding items on the 2025‑26 Capital Improvement Plan and banking services. The sub‑committee also agreed to forward the merit‑raise contingency request and the toter replacement request to the full Town Council for consideration at the August 19 meeting. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved May 13, 2025 minutes (all in favor)
• Agreed to forward merit‑raise contingency request to full Town Council (consensus)
• Agreed to forward toter replacement contingency request to full Town Council (consensus)
• Amended agenda to add 25‑26 CIP and banking items (3‑0 vote)
• Adjourned meeting (all in favor)

Agriculture Commission

The Agriculture Commission will meet to discuss and take action on plans, goals, and the Right-To-Farm Ordinance. No new business is listed for this meeting.

• Discussion and action on Right-To-Farm Ordinance
• Discussion and action on plans and goals

The Agriculture Commission voted to table approval of the meeting minutes because the minutes had not been presented, passing the motion unanimously. The commission then voted to adjourn the meeting, also unanimously. No other substantive actions were decided.

• Tabled approval of minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Permanent Project Building Committee

The Permanent Project Building Committee meeting scheduled for August 11, 2025, at 6:00 PM in Town Council Chambers has been cancelled. No agenda items were listed for the meeting.

Board of Fire Commissioners

The Board of Fire Commissioners will meet to address departmental administration and financial matters. The agenda includes potential actions on billing, fees, and personnel positions.

• Discussion/Action regarding Fire Chief’s Position
• Discussion/Action regarding Sales Price for Retired Ambulance
• Discussion/Action regarding Fire Rescue Billing
• Discussion/Action regarding Fire Marshal Fees
• Discussion/Action regarding Social Media Policy

The Board approved a car wash fundraiser at Company 4 on September 13 and a fried‑dough pizza event at Company 3 on August 8. It authorized giving obsolete equipment to Heather Gebhart’s technical school, amended the agenda to discuss appropriation transfers and to hold an executive session on pending litigation, and appointed a personnel committee to study the Fire Chief position. The Board set the 2015 ambulance sale price at $25,000 and accepted the proposed appropriation transfers, including $9,500 to the Public Works budget. Unfinished business items on fire‑rescue billing, fire‑marshal fees, department chaplain and social‑media policy were tabled.

• Approved Company 4 car wash fundraiser on Sep 13 (all in favor)
• Approved Company 3 fried‑dough pizza event on Aug 8 (all in favor)
• Approved giving obsolete items to Heather Gebhart for technical school (all in favor)
• Amended agenda to discuss appropriation transfers (all in favor)
• Amended agenda to include executive session on pending litigation (all in favor)
• Appointed personnel committee to review Fire Chief position (all in favor)
• Approved listing of 2015 ambulance for sale at $25,000 “as is” (all in favor)
• Accepted appropriation transfers, including $9,500 to Public Works (all in favor)

Veterans Service Commission

The Veterans Service Commission will meet to conduct business including the election of a Vice-Chair. The body will discuss Purple Heart Day, the Hall of Honor, and POW/MIA Day on September 19, 2025.

• Election of Vice-Chair
• Discussion and action on Purple Heart Day
• Discussion and action on Hall of Honor
• Discussion and action on POW/MIA Day (September 19, 2025)
• Feedback on POCO Festival

The commission approved the minutes from the July 1, 2025 meeting after a motion and second. Members voted to nominate and elect Hamlet Hernandez as Vice‑Chair, with Dan Camp returning to regular membership. No other actions were decided at this meeting.

• Approved July 1, 2025 minutes (all in favor)
• Elected Hamlet Hernandez as Vice‑Chair (all in favor)

Permanent Project Building Committee

The Permanent Project Building Committee will discuss maintenance and updates for the North Branford Police Department and North Branford High School. The committee is also scheduled to review a Request for Proposals (RFP) regarding Edward Smith.

• NBPD HVAC, refrigerant leak, and damper wiring updates
• NBPD parking lot sealing
• NBHS glass updates and punchlist
• Edward Smith RFP review

The Permanent Project Building Committee moved to table the minutes from 7/28/2025, and the motion was passed with all members in favor. The committee also moved to approve the 7/28/2025 minutes with the noted corrections, and that motion also passed unanimously.

• Table minutes from 7/28/2025 (motion passed, all in favor)
• Approve minutes from 7/28/2025 with corrections (motion passed, all in favor)

Permanent Project Building Committee

The committee will discuss facility maintenance and updates for North Branford Intermediate School (NBIS), North Branford High School (NBHS), and the North Branford Police Department (NBPD). The meeting includes a review of an RFP for Edward Smith.

• NBIS paving
• NBHS punchlist, hillside washout, and paving updates
• NBHS outbuilding update
• NBPD HVAC, refrigerant leak, and warranty updates
• Edward Smith RFP review

The Permanent Project Building Committee approved the corrected minutes from July 14, 2025. It approved a series of invoices for the North Branford High School project, including a $1,717.50 CENTEK invoice. The committee also approved a retainage reduction after QA+M review and authorized $5,660 for parking‑lot line striping.

• Approved July 14, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor, Member Fonda abstained)
• Approved NBHS project invoices totaling $230,302.65 (all in favor)
• Approved CENTEK invoice $1,717.50 (all in favor, Vice Chairman Bailey abstained)
• Approved retainage reduction after QA+M review (all in favor)
• Approved $5,660 line striping contract with We Do Lines (all in favor)

Blueprint Committee

The Blueprint Committee meeting scheduled for July 24, 2025, has been cancelled.

Conservation & Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency (CIWWA)

The Conservation & Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency will hold a public hearing and may take action on one application. The meeting also includes a report from the Wetland Enforcement Officer.

• Public hearing and possible action on Appl. #2025-2 for a six-lot subdivision at West Pond Road/Glenwood Road (BIC Investment Properties LLC, Bruce Ciccone)

The agency approved the meeting minutes from May 28, 2025 with all members in favor. The minutes from June 18, 2025 were postponed (tabled) until the next meeting. No decision was made on the subdivision application discussed.

• Approved May 28, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Tabled June 18, 2025 meeting minutes (postponed to next meeting)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Recreation Commission meeting scheduled for Tuesday, July 22, 2025, has been cancelled.

Public Safety Communications Committee

The Public Safety Communications Committee will meet to review status updates regarding repeaters and pagers. The body will also discuss next steps for these items.

• Discussion and status updates on repeaters and pagers

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing to decide on a variance request for a property at 7 Williams Road. The applicant seeks to reduce the front property line setback from 50 feet to 25 feet.

• Public hearing for Appl. #2025-5: variance request for front porch expansion at 7 Williams Road

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved Application #2025-7, granting a variance to reduce the front property line setback at 7 Williams Road from the required 50 feet to 25 feet for a porch expansion. The motion was carried unanimously by the four members present. The board also approved the minutes of the June 2, 2025 meeting and adjourned the session, both unanimously.

• Approved variance for 7 Williams Road front setback (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of June 2, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Education

The Board of Education meeting scheduled for July 17, 2025, has been canceled. No items were listed for discussion or decision.

Town Council Meetings

The Town Council and Water Pollution Control Authority will meet to discuss property sales, budget transfers, and infrastructure updates. The body will also consider appointments to the Board of Fire Commissioners.

• Approval of draft RFQ specifications for developer at 1599 Foxon Rd
• Award of bid #926017 for 672 Totoket Rd
• Appointment of Robert LaTorraca, Jr. to the Board of Fire Commissioners
• Discussion of JHS & Auditorium HVAC and RWA water main extension easement
• Appropriation transfers for FY2023-2024 and FY2024-2025

The council approved the minutes from the June 17, 2025 WPCA & Town Council meeting. The motion was moved by Councilor Diamond, seconded by Councilor Abelson, and passed with all members in favor; Councilor Pelliccia abstained. No other substantive decisions or votes were recorded at this meeting.

• Approved June 17, 2025 WPCA & Town Council minutes (all in favor, Pelliccia abstained)

Permanent Project Building Committee

The committee is meeting to discuss updates and maintenance for several town facilities. Discussions include HVAC and paving projects, as well as a request for proposals regarding Edward Smith.

• NBPD HVAC and updates
• NBHS punchlist, operable partition, hillside washout, and paving
• NBIS update and paving
• STWCC Pavilion update
• Edward Smith RFP discussion/update

The committee voted to approve the meeting minutes from June 30, 2025, incorporating the noted changes. Member Palumbo moved the approval, Member Canosa seconded, and the motion passed. Member Rose abstained from the vote.

• Approved 6/30/2025 meeting minutes (motion passed, Rose abstained)

Solid/Hazardous Waste & Recycling Committee

The committee will meet to discuss waste management topics and upcoming events. Agenda items include e-waste and hazardous waste collection coordination.

• E-Waste event scheduled for July 12th
• Hazardous Waste Central volunteers needed for September 6th
• Discussion on plastic wrap and schools/research
• POCO Festival
• Selection of backups for committee responsibilities

The Solid/Hazardous Waste & Recycling Committee approved the minutes of the June 12, 2025 meeting with corrections, with one member abstaining. The committee then adjourned the meeting at 7:51 p.m. No other motions were adopted.

• Approved minutes of June 12, 2025 (motion passed, 1 abstention)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:51 p.m. (motion passed, all in favor)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a special use permit for a residential conversion. The body will also discuss Schedule A and a Town Center Form Based Code presentation.

• Special Use Permit application #2025-5 to convert 1952 Middletown Avenue into four one-bedroom apartments
• Discussion of Schedule A
• Presentation and discussion of Town Center Form Based Code

Public Safety Communications Committee

The Public Safety Communications Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday, July 9, 2025, has been cancelled.

Agriculture Commission

The Agriculture Commission meeting scheduled for July 8, 2025, has been cancelled.

Board of Fire Commissioners

The Board of Fire Commissioners meeting scheduled for July 3, 2025, has been cancelled.

Veterans Service Commission

The Veterans Service Commission will meet to discuss old business and hear a statement from the Veterans Representative for North Branford. The body will take action on several community-focused items.

• Purple Heart Day
• Hall of Honor
• POCO Festival
• Statement from Kathy Poston, Veterans Representative for North Branford

The commission approved the minutes from the June 2025 meeting, with all members in favor and one abstention. It decided to postpone the $1,100 POCO Festival tent purchase until the next fiscal year. A motion to fund veteran parking and wristband assistance up to $400 was passed unanimously. The chair will meet with town officials to determine placement of Purple Heart signs.

• Approved June 2025 minutes (all in favor, one abstention)
• Postponed POCO Festival tent purchase until next fiscal year
• Approved funding up to $400 for veteran parking and wristbands (unanimous)
• Chair to meet with Town Manager Downes and Chief Lovelace on Purple Heart sign placement

Permanent Project Building Committee

The Permanent Project Building Committee is meeting to discuss updates and reimbursements for several town projects. The agenda includes reviews of the NBHS, NBIS, and STWCC sites, as well as an RFP discussion for Edward Smith.

• NBHS: Operable partition, Hillside Washout, and Request #7 for reimbursement
• NBIS: Paving and general update
• STWCC: Pavilion update
• Edward Smith: RFP discussion and scheduling a respondent walkthrough
• Review of invoices and legal matters

The Permanent Project Building Committee approved the corrected minutes from June 9 and the special meeting minutes from June 25. It voted to reduce retainage to 0% for four bid packages, approved change requests for mow strips totaling $11,023.79, and approved multiple invoices for the NBHS, NBIS, and NBPD projects. All motions passed with unanimous support except where noted abstentions.

• Approved June 9 minutes with correction (all in favor; Canosa abstained)
• Approved June 25 special meeting minutes (all in favor; Canosa and Fonda abstained)
• Approved retainage reduction to 0% for four contracts (all in favor)
• Approved change requests 12A & 12B for mow strips ($11,023.79) (all in favor)
• Approved NBHS project invoices totaling $77,544.81 (all in favor)
• Approved NBIS project invoice ($6,000.00) (all in favor)
• Approved NBPD project invoices totaling $7,530.95 (all in favor; Bailey abstained)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:26 p.m. (all in favor)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will consider a site plan for a cat fostering and clinic facility. The body will also review a utility easement request and discuss the Town Center Form Based Code.

• Site plan request for a cat foster and spay/neuter clinic at 1874 Middletown Avenue
• Utility easement request from Regional Water Authority at 99 Doral Farm Road
• Discussion regarding Schedule A
• Presentation and discussion of Town Center Form Based Code

The commission approved the minutes from the May 15, 2025 meeting by a 4‑0 vote. It approved Planning and Zoning Application #2025‑4 to operate a cat foster facility and spay/neuter clinic at 1874 Middletown Avenue, with standard and special conditions, by a 4‑0 vote. The commission voted 4‑0 to report favorably on the Regional Water Authority’s utility easement request through town property at 99 Doral Farm Road. The meeting was adjourned at 7:21 p.m.

• Approved May 15, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved Planning & Zoning Application #2025-4 for cat foster/spay‑neuter facility at 1874 Middletown Ave (4-0)
• Reported favorably on Regional Water Authority utility easement at 99 Doral Farm Rd (4-0)
• Motion to adjourn passed (4-0)

Blueprint Committee

The Blueprint Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday, June 26, 2025, has been cancelled. No other business is listed.

Conservation & Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency (CIWWA)

The North Branford Conservation & Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency cancelled its regular meeting scheduled for June 25, 2025. The cancellation is due to a lack of business.

Permanent Project Building Committee

The committee will receive updates on the North Branford Police Department (NBPD) HVAC system. The meeting includes an executive session to discuss legal strategy regarding potential claims on the NBPD project.

• NBPD HVAC system updates
• Executive session regarding potential claims on the NBPD project

The Permanent Project Building Committee met on June 25, 2025 and, after reviewing HVAC updates, adjourned at 3:45 p.m. The motion to adjourn was made by Member Rose, seconded by Member Palumbo, and passed with all members in favor. No other motions or votes were recorded.

• Adjourned meeting at 3:45 p.m. (unanimous)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Commission will meet to discuss and take action on fiscal year end reviews and transfers. The agenda includes discussions on Stanley T. Williams improvements and parks and fields.

• STW Improvements
• Fiscal Year End review and transfers
• Parks and fields discussion
• Blueprint Committee updates
• Potato Festival discussion

The commission approved several motions, including authorizing line‑item budget transfers and increasing the annual fitness‑room membership fee from $150 to $180, which is expected to generate an additional $10,000. They also added the Stanley T. Williams pavilion to the online reservation schedule and accepted a new gardening shed for North Farms Park. Minutes from prior meetings were approved with abstentions noted, and the scoreboard project at Mill Road Field remains pending.

• Approved December 10, 2024 minutes (2 abstentions, passed)
• Approved March 31, 2025 minutes (1 abstention, passed)
• Approved April 28, 2025 minutes (unanimous, passed)
• Authorized line‑item transfers per Recreation Director (unanimous, passed)
• Increased gym membership fee to $180 effective July 1 2025 (unanimous, passed)
• Added STW pavilion to reservation list and accepted North Farms Park shed (unanimous, passed)

Board of Fire Commissioners

The Board of Fire Commissioners will hold a special meeting to discuss and act upon the election of a Board Chairman.

• Election of Board Chairman

The Board voted to appoint Commissioner Ed Prunier as Chairman, with three votes in favor and one against. A motion to adjourn the meeting was then passed unanimously.

• Elected Ed Prunier as Chairman (3‑1 vote)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous vote)

Permanent Project Building Committee

The meeting scheduled for June 23, 2025, has been cancelled. No other business is listed on the agenda.

Town Council Meetings

The Town Council and Board of Education special meeting scheduled for June 19, 2025, was cancelled. The cancellation was due to a lack of a quorum.

Board of Education

The Curriculum & Instruction Subcommittee meeting scheduled for June 19, 2025, was canceled. No items were decided or discussed.

Board of Education

The North Branford Board of Education will meet to discuss the Superintendent's contract extension and salary. The board is also considering salary increases for unaffiliated staff members for 2025/2026.

• Superintendent's contract extension and salary
• 2025/2026 salary increases for unaffiliated staff members
• NBHS Renovation Project discussion
• Authority to hire
• Finance report

Planning & Zoning Commission

The regular meeting scheduled for June 19, 2025, has been cancelled due to an anticipated lack of quorum.

Conservation & Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency (CIWWA)

The Conservation & Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency will hold a public hearing and may take action on one application. The agency will also review minutes from the May 28, 2025 meeting and receive a report from the Wetland Enforcement Officer.

• Public hearing and possible action on Appl. #2025-2 for a six-lot subdivision at West Pond Road/Glenwood Road (Applicant: BIC Investment Properties LLC, Bruce Ciccone)

The CIWWA reviewed Application #2025-2 for a six‑lot subdivision on West Pond Road/Glenwood Road. Members requested additional documentation, a soil scientist report, a biological evaluation, and detailed site plans before any approval could be considered. No vote or formal decision was recorded.

Town Council Meetings

The Town Council and Water Pollution Control Authority will meet to discuss several new business items, including a developer for 1599 Foxon Rd and a storage building for North Branford High School. The meeting includes an executive session regarding real estate and deferred sewer payments.

• Approval of draft RFQ specifications for a developer for 1599 Foxon Rd
• Proposed North Branford High School Athletic Storage Building and Bid #25118
• Approval of American Red Cross Shelter Agreement
• Approval of S2Verify Service Agreement for background checks
• LOTCIP Application for Sea Hill Road

The Town Council unanimously approved the Water Pollution Control Authority's request to lower its average daily discharge to 70,000 gallons and peak discharge to 130,000 gallons, effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2029. The council also approved the minutes from the May 20 and May 27, 2025 meetings. The discussion on sewer flows from the Lake Gaillard Water Treatment Plan was tabled.

• Approved reduced discharge limits of 70,000 gpd avg and 130,000 gpd peak (unanimous)
• Approved May 20, 2025 WPCA & Town Council minutes (unanimous)
• Approved May 27, 2025 Special Meeting Town Council minutes (unanimous)
• Tabled discussion on sewer flows from Lake Gaillard Water Treatment Plan

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting scheduled for June 16, 2025, has been cancelled due to lack of business.

Veterans Service Commission

The Veterans Service Commission will discuss the Memorial Day Parade and consider funding for Hall of Fame emblems, plaques, and signage. The commission will also review a nomination form for the Memorial Wall of Honor.

• Approval of funds for 6 Service Emblems for the Hall of Fame
• Approval of funds for 6 Service Plaques (14" by 20") with 40 plates and 20 engravings
• Approval of funds for signage below Service Emblems
• Approval of the Memorial Wall of Honor Nomination Form
• Discussion regarding participation in the POCO fest

The commission approved the April 1, 2025 minutes. Vice Chair Camp agreed to lead a Purple Heart Day plan to be presented at the July meeting. Members assigned tasks to improve the Memorial Day Parade seating, compile Hall of Honor documents, and enhance tent signage. Additional ideas for event sponsorship will be prepared for the next meeting.

• Approved April 1, 2025 minutes (motion passed, two abstentions)
• Vice Chair Camp to develop Purple Heart Day plan for July meeting
• Larkins to bring Memorial Day Parade seating issue to parade committee
• Commission to revisit high school sports team participation in parade in coming months
• Hall of Honor subcommittee to email compiled documents; Hernandez to handle
• Hernandez to request full‑wall rendering from vendor
• Commission to improve signage outside the tent for better visibility
• Chair Poston to compile list of event sponsorship ideas for July meeting

Permanent Project Building Committee

The meeting scheduled for June 16, 2025, was cancelled due to a lack of quorum.

Conservation & Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency (CIWWA)

The Conservation and Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency will hold a special meeting and field walk. The agency will review a proposed six-lot subdivision.

• Site walk at West Pond Road / Glenwood Road to review a proposed six-lot subdivision

Solid/Hazardous Waste & Recycling Committee

The Solid/Hazardous Waste & Recycling Committee will meet to discuss specific waste and funding topics. The agenda includes updates on the NIP Fund and research regarding schools and plastic wrap.

• Discussion on Schools/Research
• Discussion on Plastic Wrap
• NIP Fund Update

The Solid/Hazardous Waste & Recycling Committee approved the minutes from the May 8, 2025 meeting, with two members abstaining. The committee then moved to adjourn, and the motion passed at 7:15 p.m. No other formal actions were taken.

• Approved minutes of May 8, 2025 (motion passed, 2 abstentions)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:15 p.m. (motion passed)

Permanent Project Building Committee

The Permanent Project Building Committee will discuss the HVAC system for the North Branford Police Department. The committee will also enter an executive session to discuss legal strategy regarding potential claims on the NBPD project.

• NBPD HVAC discussion
• Executive session regarding potential claims on the NBPD project

Public Safety Communications Committee

The Public Safety Communications Committee meeting scheduled for June 11, 2025, has been cancelled. A special meeting is scheduled for July 9, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

Library Board

The North Branford Library Board will meet to discuss and take action on several operational policies and the upcoming budget. The board is also reviewing a grant and the 2025 summer reading program.

• Library budget request FY2025-2026
• Display and Exhibit Policy
• Liability waivers and hold harmless agreements
• Social Media Policy
• STEAP Grant

The Library Board approved the minutes from the April 9, 2025 meeting. Vice Chair Anderson moved to approve, Member Budney seconded, Chair Frandsen abstained, and the motion passed with all members in favor. The meeting also included staff updates, program announcements, and a $1 million STEAP grant award, but no votes were recorded on those items.

• Approved April 9, 2025 minutes (all in favor, Chair abstained)

Finance Sub-committee of the Town Council

The Finance Sub-committee meeting scheduled for June 10, 2025, has been cancelled.

Agriculture Commission

The Agriculture Commission will meet to discuss and take action on the Right-To-Farm Ordinance. The body will also review plans and goals under old business.

• Right-To-Farm Ordinance
• Plans and goals

Board of Police Commissioners

The Board of Police Commissioners will meet to discuss a police union presentation on outer carrier vests and a budget transfer. The board is also scheduled to interview a police applicant and discuss compensation time for Chief Lovelace in executive session.

• Police Union presentation regarding outer carrier vests
• Budget transfer report from the Chief
• Interview of police applicant Jen Brown
• Compensation time for Chief Lovelace
• Traffic authority for CT DOT pavement markings and the September 6, 2025, Closer To Free Ride for Smilow Cancer Hospital

The North Branford Police Commissioners approved several actions, all passing unanimously. They authorized a dead‑end sign on Sea Hill Road near Wilford Road, widened DOT pavement markings, and the community “Closer to Free” bicycle ride on September 6, 2025. The board also moved forward with a new outer‑carrier vest pending chief approval and granted 10 compensation days each to the chief and deputy chief. Additionally, a conditional officer offer was extended to applicant Jen Brown.

• Approved dead end sign on Sea Hill Road near Wilford Road (unanimously)
• Approved widening DOT pavement markers from 4" to 6" (unanimously)
• Approved the “Closer to Free” bicycle ride on 9/6/2025 (unanimously)
• Approved moving forward with new outer‑carrier vest, pending chief final product approval (unanimously)
• Extended conditional police officer offer to Jen Brown (unanimously)
• Granted 10 compensation days to Chief James Lovelace (unanimously)
• Granted 10 compensation days to Deputy Chief Michael Pendleton (unanimously)
• Amended agenda to add dead‑end sign item (unanimously)

Permanent Project Building Committee

The Permanent Project Building Committee is meeting to discuss updates and budget items for North Branford High School (NBHS). The committee will also review a draft RFP for the Edward Smith Library HVAC system and receive updates on the STWCC pavilion and NBPD projects.

• NBHS: Discussion of white board warranty, operable partition, CM contingency, and retainage reductions
• NBHS: Review of storage shed, hillside washout, budget, and punchlist
• STWCC: Pavilion update
• NBPD: Updates on warranty, punchlist, and block wall
• Edward Smith Library: Review of draft RFP for HVAC

The Permanent Project Building Committee approved the minutes from June 2, 2025 with one abstention. It authorized the Town Manager to sign a Pro Paint warranty contract, took a $600,000 CM contingency return, and approved retainage reductions for four contractors. The committee also approved a $85,000–$100,000 storage shed, a $418,280.25 high‑school paving contract, a $43,000 front‑entrance granite curbing, and a $4,995 wood guardrail, with one abstention on the guardrail vote.

• Approved June 2, 2025 minutes (all in favor; Siena abstained)
• Authorized Town Manager to sign Pro Paint warranty contract (all in favor)
• Took $600,000 return of CM contingency (all in favor)
• Approved retainage reductions for four contractors (all in favor)
• Approved 30' × 80' storage shed $85,000‑$100,000 (all in favor)
• Approved high school paving contract $418,280.25 with Tilcon (all in favor)
• Authorized front entrance granite curbing up to $43,000 (all in favor)
• Approved wood guardrail $4,995 (all in favor; Vice Chairman Bailey abstained)

Board of Fire Commissioners

The Board of Fire Commissioners will meet to discuss departmental reports and budget updates for 2025-2026. The board is scheduled to take action on billing and fee structures as well as requests for proposals for maintenance and billing services.

• Discussion and action regarding Fire Rescue Billing
• Discussion and action regarding Fire Marshal Fees
• Review and action regarding Social Media Policy
• RFP for Apparatus Maintenance
• RFP for Ambulance Billing

The Board approved Griffin Health Services as the provider for all new member physicals. It also approved the May 1, 2025 meeting minutes and amended the agenda to discuss the fire chief position and the physical‑provider consolidation. Items on fire rescue billing and fire marshal fees were tabled for later consideration. The meeting was adjourned at 7:26 p.m.

• Approved May 1, 2025 minutes (4 in favor, 1 abstention)
• Approved agenda amendment to discuss Chief’s position (all in favor)
• Approved agenda amendment to include consolidation of physical providers (all in favor)
• Approved Griffin Health Services as provider for all new member physicals (all in favor)
• Tabled discussion/action on fire rescue billing
• Tabled discussion/action on fire marshal fees
• Adjourned meeting (all in favor)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The regular meeting scheduled for June 5, 2025, was cancelled due to an anticipated lack of quorum. The next meeting is scheduled for June 19, 2025.

Veterans Service Commission

The Veterans Service Commission meeting scheduled for June 3, 2025, has been cancelled. A special meeting is scheduled for June 10, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the Atwood Library.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing to consider a variance request for a residential lot. The board will decide if the applicant may reduce required front property line setbacks to build a house and garage.

• Application #2025-4: Request to reduce front property line setback to 15 feet for a garage and 30 feet for a house at 175 Twin Lakes Road

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved the minutes from the May 5, 2025 meeting. It then approved Application #2025-4, granting a variance to reduce the front setback to 20 ft for a garage and 30 ft for a house at 175 Twin Lakes Road. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved minutes of May 5, 2025 (unanimously)
• Approved variance for 175 Twin Lakes Road: front setback reduced to 20 ft (garage) and 30 ft (house) (unanimously)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimously)

Economic Development Commission

The Economic Development Commission will meet to review old business regarding the Table of Uses and the Strategic Plan. The meeting also includes reports from the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce, the Assistant Town Manager, and Planning & Zoning.

• Discussion of Table of Uses
• Discussion of Strategic Plan
• Shoreline Chamber of Commerce report
• Assistant Town Manager's report
• Planning & Zoning report

The North Branford Economic Development Commission approved the minutes from the May 5 2025 regular meeting. Dan made the motion, Scott seconded, and the motion passed with all members in favor; Melissa and Barbara abstained. No other actions were voted on during the meeting.

• Approved May 5 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor, Melissa and Barbara abstained)

Permanent Project Building Committee

The committee will discuss updates and punchlists for the North Branford Police Department, North Branford Intermediate School, and North Branford High School. The meeting includes a discussion regarding HVAC at the Edward Smith Library.

• NBPD updates regarding a plaque, block wall, and Newfield-Warranty-Punchlist
• NBPD SPA items including HVAC, warranty, balancing report, punchlist, Emme, and Trane
• Edward Smith Library HVAC discussion
• NBIS updates on Barrett, QAM, and sidewalks
• NBHS updates on budget and punchlist

The Permanent Project Building Committee approved a change request granting an $8,647.48 credit for the roof replacement facade. It also approved a $4,347.00 contract for a bronze plaque at the police department and tabled the estimate for the NBPD wall until the next meeting. No other substantive decisions were recorded.

• Approved change request #14 for roof replacement credit of $8,647.48 (motion passed)
• Approved Fast Signs estimate for a 24" x 24" bronze plaque, $4,347.00 (motion passed, Vice Chairman Bailey abstained)
• Tabled the estimate for the NBPD block wall until June 9, 2025 (motion passed)
• Approved meeting minutes of 05/12/2025 with corrections (motion passed, Vice Chairman Bailey and Member Fonda abstained)

Public Safety Communications Committee

The Public Safety Communications Committee will hold a special meeting to discuss and take action regarding continued issues with public safety communications.

• Discussion and action on continued issues with public safety communications

The Public Safety Communications Committee met on May 29, 2025 to review ongoing problems with repeaters, pagers, and system coverage. Members heard updates from Norcom, Motorola, and town officials about testing, programming fixes, and the need for further evaluation. The group noted that the Fire and Police Commissions will review system performance on July 1, 2025. No formal actions, approvals, or votes were recorded.

Conservation & Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency (CIWWA)

The Conservation & Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency will meet to discuss new business and review staff reports. The body will receive a subdivision application for six lots at West Pond Road/Glenwood Road.

• Application #2025-2: Subdivision for six lots at West Pond Road/Glenwood Road (BIC Investment Properties LLC, Bruce Ciccone)

The agency approved the minutes from the March 26, 2025 meeting, with one member abstaining. A motion was passed to hold a site walk on June 14, 2025, followed by a public hearing on June 18, 2025, and the next regular meeting on June 25, 2025. The meeting was adjourned at 7:02 p.m.

• Approved March 26 minutes (all in favor; Member Fischbach abstained)
• Scheduled site walk June 14, 2025 and public hearing June 18, 2025 (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:02 p.m. (all in favor)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The North Branford Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on a request to reduce front setback requirements for a residential lot at 175 Twin Lakes Road. The board may take action on the variance after the hearing.

• Appl. #2025-4: Variance request to reduce front setback to 15 ft (garage) and 30 ft (house) from 50 ft at 175 Twin Lakes Road

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Recreation Commission meeting scheduled for Tuesday, May 27, 2025, has been cancelled.

Town Council Meetings

The Town Council will discuss and take action on the FY 2025-2026 budget and set the mill rate for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting also includes a property sale and a bid award for facility renovations.

• Finalizing FY 2025-2026 Budget
• Setting the mill rate for FY 2025-2026
• Sale of 127 Old Post Rd, Northford to Thomas Smith
• Awarding Bid #25119 for Public Works Facility Renovations

The council met at 6:34 p.m. and conducted a roll call. The agenda consisted of citizen statements on the proposed budget and other issues. No motions, votes, or approvals were recorded in the minutes.

Board of Education

The Curriculum & Instruction Subcommittee will meet to receive implementation updates for two specific educational programs. The meeting focuses on the progress of Wit & Wisdom and Illustrative Math.

• Implementation updates for Wit & Wisdom (ELA)
• Implementation updates for Illustrative Math

Board of Education

The Board of Education will meet to discuss and potentially act on the finance report and budget reductions for 2025/2026. The meeting includes discussions on the NBHS Renovation Project and the NBHS Athletic Storage Building.

• 2025/2026 Budget Reductions
• NBHS Athletic Storage Building (discussion and action)
• NBHS Renovation Project
• Certified Staff Non-Renewals
• Resignations

Blueprint Committee

The Blueprint Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 22, 2025, has been cancelled.

Town Council Meetings

The North Branford Town Council will meet to discuss and act on the rejected FY2025-2026 budget, including a special meeting scheduled for May 27. The council will also consider property dispositions, job description changes, and various contracts and agreements.

• FY2025-2026 Budget finalization (special meeting May 27, 2025)
• Disposition of 672 Totoket Rd property
• Approval of job description change for Program Coordinator
• Award of RFP #925015 Twin Lakes Professional Engineering LOTCIP Project LO98-0001
• Award of RFP #926013 to Munistat Service, Inc. for Bond Advisor

The council approved the minutes from the April 22 special meeting and moved to table the discussion on sewer flows from the Lake Gaillard treatment plant until June. It amended the agenda to shift a veterans‑monument item and unanimously authorized the Dziekan family to add a small plaque to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved April 22 special meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Tabled sewer flows discussion until June meeting (unanimous)
• Amended agenda to move item 13b to 7c (unanimous)
• Authorized addition of Dziekan family plaque to Vietnam Veterans Memorial (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The North Branford Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on a request to reduce front setback requirements for a house and garage at 175 Twin Lakes Road. The board may take action on this variance during the meeting.

• Appl. #2025-4: Variance request to reduce front setback to 15 feet for garage and 30 feet for house (from 50 feet) at 175 Twin Lakes Road

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will meet to discuss sidewalk installations and a Form Based Code for the Town Center. The meeting also includes a review of the May 1, 2025, minutes.

• Discussion of sidewalks at Stefania’s Way and 122 Parsonage Hill Road
• Town Center Form Based Code presentation and discussion
• Schedule A discussion

The Planning & Zoning Commission approved the minutes from the May 1, 2025 meeting. No public hearing or old business was taken up. Members discussed a sidewalk waiver for Stefania’s Way and 122 Parsonage Hill Road but indicated the sidewalks will remain as previously approved. The meeting was adjourned at 7:37 p.m.

• Approved May 1, 2025 meeting minutes (motion passed)
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Public Safety Communications Committee

The Public Safety Communications Committee meeting scheduled for May 14, 2025 has been cancelled. No decisions or discussions will take place. The cancellation notice was issued by the Town of North Branford.

• May 14, 2025 meeting cancelled

Library Board

The Library Board meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 14, 2025, has been cancelled.

Finance Sub-committee of the Town Council

The Finance Sub-committee of the North Branford Town Council will meet on May 13, 2025, to discuss several financial matters. They will consider RFPs for bond counsel and financial advisor, benefit changes and salary range adjustments for administrators, and payments in lieu of benefits. Other items include a possible utility audit, renegotiation of the Altus Solar agreement, an update on the NBHS project's financial status, and a proposal to move solar credits to the Board of Education. They will also approve meeting minutes and review a financial report.

• RFPs for Bond Counsel and Financial Advisor
• Benefit changes and salary range adjustments for administrators
• Renegotiation of Altus Solar agreement
• Update on financial status of NBHS project
• Possible transfer of solar credits to Board of Education

The sub‑committee unanimously approved the minutes from the March 11 and April 8, 2025 meetings. They agreed that the Finance Director and Town Manager will conduct informal meetings on a possible utility audit and provide a comparative summary for the Council. The April 30, 2025 financial report was accepted and will be sent to the full Council. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved March 11, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved April 8, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Finance Director and Town Manager to hold informal utility‑audit meetings and deliver a comparative for Council
• Financial report for 04‑30‑25 to be forwarded to the Council (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Agriculture Commission

The North Branford Agriculture Commission is holding a regular meeting with agenda items including approval of previous minutes, old business discussion, and new business featuring Town Planner David Perkins and discussion of plans and goals. No specific proposals, ordinances, or financial actions are listed.

• Approval of minutes from April 8, 2025 meeting
• Discussion with Town Planner David Perkins
• Discussion of plans and goals

Board of Police Commissioners

The regular meeting of the North Branford Board of Police Commissioners scheduled for May 12, 2025, has been canceled. No business will be conducted.

• Meeting canceled; no agenda items to be discussed

Permanent Project Building Committee

The Permanent Project Building Committee will discuss updates on the STWCC, ESL, NBPD (including plaque, Emme-progress, Trane integration, HVAC, and SPA punchlist/warranty), and NBHS (updates, budget, punchlist). Invoices and legal matters are also on the agenda.

• NBPD HVAC and Trane integration updates
• NBHS budget discussion
• SPA punchlist/warranty for NBPD
• Emme-progress at NBPD
• STWCC update

The Permanent Project Building Committee approved the May 5, 2025 meeting minutes after correcting a typo. They also passed a motion to have the Emme system’s clock start on the date of HVAC balancing rather than the completion date. Both actions were approved unanimously.

• Approved May 5, 2025 meeting minutes with correction (all in favor)
• Approved motion to start Emme clock at balancing date (all in favor)

Solid/Hazardous Waste & Recycling Committee

The committee will meet to discuss waste management topics and select or replace the committee's chairperson. Discussions will include e-waste recycling, plastic wrap, and the NIP Fund.

• Selection or replacement of the Committee’s chairperson
• E-Waste Recycling debrief
• NIP Fund update
• Discussion on Haz Waste Central
• Discussion on plastic wrap and schools/research

The Solid/Hazardous Waste & Recycling Committee approved the minutes from the April 10, 2025 meeting. The motion passed with all members in favor and two abstentions (Petroskey and Sharp). No other formal actions were decided; the agenda items were discussed or noted. The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.

• Approved April 10, 2025 minutes (all in favor, 2 abstentions)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:15 p.m. (all in favor)

Veterans Service Commission

The May 6, 2025 meeting of the North Branford Veterans Service Commission did not occur because there was not a quorum. No business was conducted and no minutes were generated.

Board of Education

The North Branford Board of Education Policy Subcommittee will hold a special meeting to discuss three policies: prohibitions on sex discrimination and sex-based harassment for students and personnel, and a safety and security policy. No votes or decisions are scheduled; only discussion.

• Discussion of P1015 – Prohibition of Sex Discrimination, Including Sex-Based Harassment (Students)
• Discussion of P2230 – Prohibition of Sex Discrimination, Including Sex-Based Harassment (Personnel)
• Discussion of P7517 – Safety and Security

Zoning Board of Appeals

The North Branford Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a special meeting on May 5, 2025, to conduct public hearings and possibly vote on three variance applications. The items include a request to reduce a front setback at 12 Forest View Road, a proposal to allow four apartments at 1952 Middletown Avenue in an R-40 zone, and a request to enlarge a non-conforming house at 84 Valley Road in an I-2 zone.

• Appl. #2025-1, 12 Forest View Road: variance to reduce front setback from 50 to 44 feet for house addition (applicant Ryan Palmieri)
• Appl. #2025-2, 1952 Middletown Avenue: variance to allow four apartments in main dwelling in R-40 zone (owners Robert & Gerald Genera, applicant Timothy J. Lee, Esq.)
• Appl. #2025-3, 84 Valley Road: variance to enlarge non-conforming residential structure with second floor and additions in I-2 zone (applicants Al Rose & Robert Rose)

The board unanimously approved a setback variance for 12 Forest View Road. It denied a variance to add four apartments at 1952 Middletown Avenue by a 5‑0 vote. It also unanimously approved a variance to add a second floor and extensions at 84 Valley Road.

• Approved variance for 12 Forest View Road (front setback reduced to 44 ft) – unanimous
• Denied variance for 1952 Middletown Avenue (four apartments in R‑40 zone) – 5‑0
• Approved variance for 84 Valley Road (second‑floor addition and front/rear extensions) – unanimous

Board of Education

The North Branford Board of Education will hold a special meeting to discuss and possibly take action on a grievance filed by the custodial union. The item may be discussed in executive session.

• Discussion and possible action regarding a Custodial Union grievance

Economic Development Commission

The North Branford Economic Development Commission is meeting to discuss new business items including the Agriculture Commission and Civic Lift, as well as old business on the Table of Uses and Strategic Plan. Reports from the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce, Assistant Town Manager, and Planning & Zoning are also on the agenda. The meeting is largely procedural with no specific votes or dollar amounts listed.

• New Business: Agriculture Commission
• New Business: Civic Lift
• Old Business: Table of Uses
• Old Business: Strategic Plan
• Reports from Shoreline Chamber, Assistant Town Manager, and Planning & Zoning

The Economic Development Commission approved the minutes of the April 7, 2025 regular meeting and the April 14, 2025 special meeting. No other actions were formally adopted. New business included an initial discussion with the Agriculture Commission and a review of the CivicLift web platform. Old business items were discussed but no decisions were made.

• Approved April 7, 2025 regular meeting minutes
• Approved April 14, 2025 special meeting minutes

Permanent Project Building Committee

The committee will hear updates on the STWCC Pavilion, an ESL discussion, and North Branford Police Department (NBPD) projects including Emme, HVAC, and SPA punchlist/warranty. They will also receive updates on North Branford High School (NBHS). No votes on spending or policy are expected at this meeting.

• STWCC Pavilion update
• ESL discussion
• NBPD HVAC update
• NBPD SPA punchlist/warranty
• NBHS updates

The committee approved the minutes from the April 28, 2025 meeting after a correction to page 4. It also approved a $69,999 invoice from Creative Recreation for the STWCC Pavilion erection. The meeting was adjourned at 6:58 p.m.

• Approved 4/28/2025 meeting minutes (all in favor, Member Canosa abstained)
• Approved payment of $69,999 to Creative Recreation for STWCC Pavilion (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:58 p.m. (all in favor)

Board of Fire Commissioners

The Board of Fire Commissioners will discuss and take possible action on Fire Rescue Billing, Fire Marshal Fees, and the appointment of a Department Chaplain. They will also discuss the 2025-2026 budget and review a social media policy revision. The meeting includes reports from departmental officers and committees.

• Discussion and possible action on Fire Rescue Billing
• Discussion and possible action on Fire Marshal Fees
• Discussion and possible action on Department Chaplain appointment
• Discussion on budget for 2025-2026
• Review and revision of Social Media Policy

The Board of Fire Commissioners approved the minutes from the April 17, 2025 regular meeting, with three commissioners voting in favor and Commissioner DellaCamera abstaining. The board then adjourned the meeting unanimously. No other substantive actions were taken; items such as fire‑rescue billing, fire‑marshal fees, and the social‑media policy were deferred to future meetings.

• Approved April 17, 2025 minutes (3 in favor, 1 abstention)
• Adjourned meeting (all in favor)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The commission will discuss two new business items: a sidewalk matter at Stefania's Way and 122 Parsonage Hill Road, and a site plan application for a new 8,000 sq ft building for a fence company at 32 Ciro Road. No public hearings are scheduled. The commission will also discuss the Schedule A regulations and receive a presentation on the Town Center Form Based Code.

• Discussion of sidewalks at Stefania's Way and 122 Parsonage Hill Road
• Site plan application #2025-3 for an 8,000 sq ft fence company building with site improvements at 32 Ciro Road (I-2 zone)
• Discussion of Schedule A regulations
• Town Center Form Based Code presentation and discussion
• Approval of minutes from January 16 and April 17, 2025 (procedural)

The Planning & Zoning Commission approved the minutes from the January 16 and April 17, 2025 meetings. Both approvals passed with all members in favor, though two members abstained on each motion. The commission spent the remainder of the meeting discussing a proposed sidewalk project on Stefania’s Way and Parsonage Hill Road, but no vote or formal decision was recorded.

• Approved January 16, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor, abstentions: Caruso, Heon)
• Approved April 17, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor, abstentions: Heon, Siena)
• Waiver request for sidewalks was not approved (did not achieve required ¾ vote)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission will hold a special meeting to discuss and take action on unfinished business. The session focuses on the storage and usage of town parks and fields.

• Discussion and action on parks and fields storage
• Discussion and action on parks and fields usage

The Parks & Recreation Commission adopted a motion allowing non‑profit or town‑based groups to use the pickleball courts for fundraisers or tournaments, limited to four events per year, starting May 1 2025. Proposals for 2026 must be submitted to the Parks and Recreation Director by March 1 and must meet town requirements. The motion passed unanimously, and no action was taken on the parks and fields storage discussion.

• Approved nonprofit pickleball court use for up to 4 fundraisers/tournaments per year, effective May 1 2025 (unanimous)
• No action taken on parks and fields storage discussion

Permanent Project Building Committee

The Permanent Project Building Committee will hold a regular meeting to approve minutes from prior sessions, receive brief updates on town projects, and discuss routine administrative matters. No substantive decisions or new proposals are listed on the agenda.

The committee amended the agenda to add Public Works items and recommended awarding the contract to Munger Construction for up to $1,483,250. It also approved the NBHS elevated field and irrigation project for $6,885 and the NBIS granite curbing and sidewalks project not to exceed $250,000. The Newfield invoice for $100,000 was approved, and a credit of $2,803 was accepted. The Creative Recreation invoice was tabled until the next meeting.

• Approved award of contract to Munger Construction up to $1,483,250 (all in favor)
• Approved NBHS elevated field and irrigation project $6,885 (all in favor)
• Approved NBIS sidewalks and granite curbing not to exceed $250,000 (all in favor)
• Approved payment of Newfield invoice #23 for $100,000 (all in favor, Vice Chairman Bailey abstained)
• Accepted ATP‑0266 credit of -$2,803 (all in favor)
• Tabled Creative Recreation invoice until 5/5/2025 (all in favor)
• Approved minutes of 4/14/2025 meeting (all in favor)
• Approved special meeting minutes of 4/21/2025 (all in favor)

Board of Education

The Curriculum & Instruction Subcommittee of the North Branford Board of Education is holding a special meeting to receive an overview of school-based approaches to climate and social-emotional learning. No decisions or votes are scheduled; the session is informational and includes discussion of other curriculum-related matters.

• Overview of school-based approaches to Climate and Social Emotional Learning

Board of Education

The North Branford Board of Education will discuss and take action on the 2025 graduation date and the Healthy Food Certification. It will also discuss the NBHS Renovation Project, line item transfers in the finance report, and a summer camp program for 2025. Committee reports and policy actions are also on the agenda.

• Graduation Date 2025 – discussion and action
• NBHS Renovation Project – discussion
• Healthy Food Certification – discussion and action
• Line item transfers (Finance Report) – discussion and possible action
• North Branford Public Schools Summer Camp 2025 – discussion

Blueprint Committee

The Blueprint Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday, April 24, 2025 has been cancelled. No items were discussed or decided.

• Meeting cancelled; no agenda items were considered.

Conservation & Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency (CIWWA)

The North Branford Conservation & Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency has cancelled its April 23 regular meeting due to no items to discuss. The next regular meeting is scheduled for May 28, 2025.

• Regular meeting of April 23, 2025 cancelled
• Next meeting: May 28, 2025 at 6:30 p.m., Town Hall Council Chambers

Public Safety Communications Committee

The Public Safety Communications Committee will hold a special meeting to continue discussions regarding radio communication issues. The meeting focuses on coordination between Fire and Public Works departments.

• Discussion and action on radio communication issues with Fire and Public Works

The Public Safety Communications Committee reviewed ongoing radio communication problems affecting the fire department and public works. It decided to request that the Town Manager arrange a mandatory special meeting on May 15 at 10 a.m. with Paul Zito, CTS, Motorola, and Norcom to address the issues. Dave Palumbo offered to speak with the Town Manager about setting up the meeting.

• Requested Town Manager to set up mandatory special meeting on May 15 at 10 a.m. with Paul Zito, CTS, Motorola, and Norcom (no vote recorded)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Recreation Commission meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 22, 2025, has been cancelled.

Town Council Meetings

The Town Council's April 22 budget hearing has been cancelled and replaced by a budget workshop during a special joint meeting of the WPCA and Town Council at 6:30 p.m. on the same date.

• Cancellation of the April 22 Budget Hearing
• Budget workshop moved to special joint WPCA/Town Council meeting at 6:30 p.m.

Town Council Meetings

The Town Council will deliberate and finalize the FY 2025-2026 budget, including ratifying the recommended budget and approving an advisory referendum question. They will also consider approving a collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters #443 for Public Works, review the charter revision process, and discuss a proposed athletic storage building at North Branford High School. The meeting begins with a WPCA session with no business.

• Ratification of Town Council Recommended Budget for FY 2025-2026
• Approval of Advisory Budget Referendum Question
• Approval of Collective Bargaining Agreement with Public Works/Teamsters #443
• Review of Charter Revision Process
• Proposed North Branford High School Athletic Storage Building and bid specifications for NBHS Storage Shed (bid #25118)

The Town Council approved the minutes from six prior meetings, with a few councilors abstaining on two of them. The council also adopted proclamations designating April 22, 2025 as Earth Day and May 10, 2025 as International Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Awareness Day. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved March 11, 2025 Budget Workshop minutes (unanimous, Councilor Palladino abstained)
• Approved March 18, 2025 WPCA & Town Council meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved March 25, 2025 Budget Workshop minutes (unanimous)
• Approved April 1, 2025 Budget Hearing minutes (unanimous)
• Approved April 8, 2025 Budget Workshop minutes (unanimous, Councilors Diamond, Pelliccia, Palladino abstained)
• Approved April 10, 2025 Budget Workshop minutes (unanimous, Councilor Palladino abstained)
• Proclaimed April 22, 2025 as Earth Day in North Branford
• Proclaimed May 10, 2025 as International Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Awareness Day in North Branford

Zoning Board of Appeals

The North Branford Zoning Board of Appeals met on April 21, 2025. The board postponed three separate variance applications to May 5, 2025.

• Postponed Appl. #2025-1: 12 Forest View Road, request to reduce front property line setback to 44 feet
• Postponed Appl #2025-2: 1952 Middletown Avenue, request for four apartments in an R-40 zone
• Postponed Appl. #2025-3: 84 Valley Road, request to enlarge a residential structure in an I-2 zone

The Zoning Board of Appeals moved to set a special meeting on May 5 2025 at 7:00 p.m. due to insufficient members present, and to reconvene the April 21 meeting at that special session. Both motions passed unanimously, and the board adjourned the April 21 meeting.

• Scheduled special meeting for May 5 2025 at 7:00 p.m. (unanimous)
• Re‑opened April 21 meeting at the May 5 special meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourned the April 21 meeting (unanimous)

Permanent Project Building Committee

The Permanent Project Building Committee is meeting to discuss the North Branford Police Department (NBPD) HVAC system. The meeting includes an executive session to discuss legal strategy regarding potential claims on the NBPD project.

• NBPD HVAC discussion
• Executive session regarding potential claims on the NBPD project

The Permanent Project Building Committee voted to accept the TRANE integration proposal for $5,985 to work with Emme Controls. The motion was moved by Member Palumbo, seconded by Member Rose, and passed with all members in favor and Vice Chairman Bailey abstaining. No other formal actions were recorded in this meeting.

• Approved TRANE integration proposal ($5,985) – motion passed (all in favor, 1 abstain)

Board of Fire Commissioners

The Board of Fire Commissioners will meet to discuss and potentially take action on several operational items. Key agenda points include ambulance bids, fire rescue billing, and fire marshal fees. The board will also review the 2025-2026 budget update.

• Discussion/Action on Ambulance Bid
• Discussion/Action on Fire Rescue Billing
• Discussion/Action on Fire Marshal Fees
• Update on Budget for 2025-2026
• Discussion/Action on Emergency Call Boxes

The Board voted to buy emergency 911 call boxes for Companies #1, #2, and #3 at a cost of about $400 each. It also approved directing the interim chief to tell Eastford Fire & Rescue that the previously reserved F450 cab and chassis is no longer needed. Discussion on fire rescue billing was tabled, and the Board agreed to bill only insurance companies for fire‑rescue fees. The meeting was adjourned at 7:37 p.m.

• Approved purchase of emergency call boxes for Companies #1, #2, #3 (all in favor)
• Approved directive to contact Eastford Fire & Rescue to cancel the F450 cab and chassis reservation (all in favor)
• Tabled discussion on fire rescue billing (no action taken)
• Discussed fire marshal fee structure; no decision recorded
• Decided to work with Commissioners Civitello and Salamack on appointing a department chaplain (ongoing)
• Agreed to bill only insurance companies for fire‑rescue fees, not residents (public comment outcome)
• Approved minutes from the March 6, 2025 meeting (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:37 p.m. (all in favor)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The North Branford Planning & Zoning Commission will receive and possibly act on a site plan application for a new 8,000-square-foot building for a fence company at 32 Ciro Road in the I-2 zone. The meeting also includes discussions on Schedule A and a presentation on the Town Center Form Based Code. No public hearings are listed.

• Appl. #2025-3 – 32 Ciro Road – new 8,000 sq ft building for a fence company with site improvements
• Discussion of Schedule A (zoning regulations)
• Town Center Form Based Code presentation and discussion

The commission approved the minutes from the April 3, 2025 meeting by a 3‑2 vote with two members abstaining. A site‑plan application for a new 8,000‑sq‑ft fence‑company building at 32 Ciro Road was received and will be considered at the May 1, 2025 meeting. The meeting was then adjourned by motion of a member.

• Approved April 3, 2025 minutes (3‑2 vote; 2 abstentions)
• Accepted site‑plan request for 32 Ciro Road; scheduled for review May 1, 2025
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Town Council Meetings

The WPCA and Town Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 15, 2025, has been cancelled. No business will be conducted.

Permanent Project Building Committee

The Permanent Project Building Committee will discuss project updates and invoices for several town facilities. Key items include HVAC and warranty matters for the North Branford Police Department and the Edward Smith Library.

• NBPD: Warranty list, invoices, Rawal Valve updates, and HVAC (EMME and Trane)
• STWCC: Project updates
• Edward Smith Library: HVAC update
• NBHS: QAM update, glass, punchlist, and Gilbane ATPs

The committee amended the agenda to move several items, which passed with all members in favor. A motion to contact H.F. Lenz to conduct a feasibility study for the South Town Water & Community Center was also passed unanimously. No other substantive actions were decided at this meeting.

• Amended agenda to move items (all in favor)
• Approved feasibility study by H.F. Lenz for STWCC (all in favor)

Board of Police Commissioners

The Board of Police Commissioners will review the March 2025 minutes, then receive reports on surplus and new department vehicles, the budget, and traffic activity. Old business includes a building update. New business covers a Tier I and Tier II accreditation assessment and a dispatcher vacancy, with possible action on each item.

• Approval of March 10, 2025 minutes and correction to vacation carry-over authority
• Report on surplus vehicles and new department vehicles
• Budget update discussion
• Tier I and Tier II accreditation assessment
• Dispatcher vacancy update

The board approved the minutes from the March 10 meeting with a correction allowing the Chief of Police to authorize vacation carry‑over. The board also approved a request to ask the Town Council to allocate the proceeds from selling two surplus vehicles, estimated at $3,000‑$5,000, to the police department’s new vehicle fund. Both motions passed unanimously.

• Approved March 10 minutes with correction granting Chief vacation‑carry‑over authority (unanimous)
• Approved request to ask Town Council to place $3,000‑$5,000 vehicle sale proceeds into new vehicle fund (unanimous)

Economic Development Commission

This special meeting of the Economic Development Commission is largely procedural, with the only substantive item being a discussion about the Ceccarelli Harrison Hill Farm spring event. The meeting includes a salute to the flag, roll call, and adjournment.

• Ceccarelli Harrison Hill Farm Spring event discussion

The Economic Development Commission met on April 14, 2025. Members discussed the Ceccarelli Harrison Hill Farm Spring event, including monthly movie nights and a Strawberry Festival scheduled for June 7. They also reviewed updates on the Destination North Branford initiative. The commission scheduled a special meeting for April 23 at 6:30 p.m. to finalize Strawberry Festival details.

• Scheduled special meeting for Strawberry Festival details (April 23, 6:30 p.m.)

Town Council Meetings

The North Branford Town Council is meeting for a budget workshop to review the proposed 2025-2026 operational and capital budgets. The agenda includes a budget overview, questions from council members, and public comments. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the meeting is a discussion session.

• Review of the 2025-2026 Operational Budget
• Review of the 2025-2026 Capital Budget
• Public comment period on the proposed budget

The Town Council reviewed several budget adjustments, including clerk pay, FICA, pins and plaques, and printing costs. No motions were voted on during this session. The council decided to address all proposed motions at the April 22, 2025 meeting. No other substantive decisions were recorded.

• Postponed all proposed budget workshop motions to April 22, 2025 meeting (no vote recorded)

Solid/Hazardous Waste & Recycling Committee

The Solid/Hazardous Waste & Recycling Committee approved the minutes from March 13, 2025, as amended. The motion passed with all members in favor and two abstentions (Jabukowski and DeSilver). The meeting was then adjourned at 7:41 p.m. after a motion that also passed unanimously.

• Approved amended March 13, 2025 minutes (motion passed; abstentions: Jabukowski, DeSilver)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:41 p.m. (motion passed)

Library Board

The Library Board will discuss and potentially act on the library budget request for fiscal year 2025-2026, as well as proposals for a Display and Exhibit Policy, liability waivers, and a Social Media Policy. The board will also receive reports from the Library Board and Director, and consider state and federal grants.

• Library budget request for FY2025-2026
• Display and Exhibit Policy discussion and action
• Liability waivers and hold harmless agreements
• Social Media Policy discussion and action
• IMLS and CT State Library grants

The Library Board approved the minutes from the March 12, 2025 meeting. Member Budney moved to approve, Member Macmillen seconded, and the motion passed with all members in favor. No other actions were taken; unfinished and new business items were discussed but no decisions were made.

• Approved March 12, 2025 minutes (unanimous)

Town Council Meetings

The North Branford Town Council holds a budget workshop for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, covering operational and capital budgets. The agenda includes an overview from the East Shore District Health Department and a discussion and possible action on adjusting Homeowners Benefits. Public comments will be heard.

• Budget Overview for 2025-2026 (Operational and Capital Budget)
• Presentation from East Shore District Health Department
• Discussion and Action on Homeowners Benefits adjustment
• Public Comments

The council voted 6‑0 to raise the income limits for the local Homeowners Program to $60,000 for single applicants and $70,000 for married couples, with annual adjustments tied to the state program. The motion was moved by Deputy Mayor Macmillen and seconded by Councilor Abelson. No other substantive actions were taken; the remainder of the meeting consisted of budget presentations and informational updates.

• Increased Homeowners Program limits to $60,000 (single) and $70,000 (married) – vote 6‑0

Agriculture Commission

The Agriculture Commission will meet to approve its 2025 meeting calendar and discuss a new commission logo. The body also intends to discuss upcoming events and the establishment of a dialogue with the Town Planner.

• Approval of 2025 meeting calendar
• Discussion of Commission Logo
• Discussion of Events
• Establishment of dialogue with Town Planner

The Agriculture Commission accepted the minutes from the previous meeting and approved its schedule of meetings, each with unanimous votes. Member Defrancesco will formally invite the Town Planner to future commission meetings. The commission then adjourned the session unanimously.

• Accepted previous meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved schedule of meetings (unanimous)
• Defrancesco to invite Town Planner to future meetings (no vote recorded)
• Adjourned the meeting (unanimous)

Finance Sub-committee of the Town Council

The Town Council Finance Sub-Committee will hold a special meeting to discuss two personnel-related items: administrative benefits and proposed adjustments to salary ranges. No votes or formal decisions are scheduled; the agenda is limited to discussion only.

• Discussion of administrative benefits
• Proposed adjustments to salary ranges

The sub‑committee did not approve any administrator benefit changes but agreed to send the longevity, vacation and sick‑leave proposals to the full Town Council for consideration. It also agreed that a revised administrator salary‑range proposal that includes CPI will be presented to the Finance Committee in May. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Advance administrator longevity benefit increase request to full Town Council (agreed)
• Advance administrator vacation policy change request to full Town Council (agreed)
• Advance administrator sick‑leave accrual proposal (300 days) to full Town Council (agreed)
• Provide revised administrator salary‑range proposal including CPI to Finance Committee in May (agreed)
• Adjourn meeting (unanimous vote – all in favor)

Permanent Project Building Committee

The Permanent Project Building Committee will meet to receive updates on several town construction projects, including the police department's punchlist and HVAC issues, the Edward Smith Library project, the STWCC pavilion, and North Branford High School progress with contractor Gilbane. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the agenda is limited to discussion and updates.

• NBPD punchlist and HVAC (EMME, Rawal Valves)
• Edward Smith Library – updates
• STWCC – Pavilion update
• NBHS – CSG update, QAM update, glass warranty, punchlist, Gilbane update, ATPs
• NBIS – updates

The Permanent Project Building Committee approved the minutes from the March 24, 2025 meeting after correcting several typographical errors. Member Palumbo moved to approve, Member Rose seconded, and the motion passed with all members in favor. The committee also discussed finance and project issues, and requested clarification on a $20,000 HVAC integration estimate, but no further formal actions were taken.

• Approved meeting minutes from 3/24/2025 with corrections (unanimous)

Economic Development Commission

The Economic Development Commission will consider the Table of Uses with the Town Planner and review the Strategic Plan. Reports will be heard from the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce, Assistant Town Manager, and Planning & Zoning. The meeting also includes approval of minutes from March 3, 2024.

• Discussion of Town Planner – Table of Uses
• Review of Strategic Plan
• Report from Shoreline Chamber of Commerce
• Report from Assistant Town Manager
• Approval of minutes from March 3, 2024 regular meeting

The Economic Development Commission voted to approve the minutes from the March 3, 2025 regular meeting. The motion was made by Barbara, seconded by Melissa, and passed with all members in favor. No other formal actions were taken; the commission discussed future agricultural events and a planning meeting scheduled for April 14, 2025.

• Approved March 3, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will meet to review minutes from three previous meetings. The session includes a presentation on affordable housing and a discussion regarding the Town Center Form Based Code.

• Affordable Housing presentation by David Fink of SCRCOG
• Town Center Form Based Code presentation and discussion
• Schedule A discussion

The commission approved the lighting design plan for Stefania’s Way, authorizing four colonial‑style streetlights on Parsonage Hill Road. The meeting also approved the minutes from the January 2 and March 20, 2025 sessions and amended the agenda to include the lighting plan item. The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

• Approved lighting design plan for Stefania’s Way (5‑0)
• Approved January 2 2025 minutes (3‑2)
• Approved March 20 2025 minutes (4‑1)
• Amended agenda to add Lighting Plan item (5‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Town Council Meetings

The North Branford Town Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed FY 2025-2026 town budget, followed by discussion and a vote. The Town Manager and Board of Education will present the budget. A proclamation for World Autism Month will also be presented.

• Public hearing on the FY 2025-2026 budget
• Presentation of budget by Town Manager and Board of Education
• Discussion and action on proposed 2025-2026 town budget
• Proclamation on World Autism Month

The Town Council held a public hearing on the FY 2025‑2026 budget, presenting the proposed budget, debt service, and revaluation impacts. The meeting included a proclamation for World Autism Month and discussion of fixed cost increases and tax implications. The Council noted that budget finalization is expected at the April 22 workshop and a townwide referendum is scheduled for May 13, 2025. No formal approvals, rejections, or votes were recorded at this meeting.

Veterans Service Commission

The Veterans Service Commission will meet to review updates on the Memorial Day Parade and the Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Breakfast. The commission will also discuss the Hall of Fame/Honor and receive a statement from Senator Chris Murphy's office.

• Update on Hall of Fame/Honor
• Update on Memorial Day Parade
• Update on Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Breakfast
• Statement from Claude Campbell of Senator Chris Murphy's office

The Veterans Service Commission approved the minutes from the March 4, 2025 meeting. The proposal to schedule a future Purple Heart Day was tabled until 2025. No other actions were taken.

• Approved March 4, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor, 2 abstentions)
• Tabled Purple Heart Day planning (postponed to 2025)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The North Branford Parks and Recreation Commission is holding a special meeting to discuss and potentially act on the fiscal year 2025-26 budget and capital improvements, as well as Stanley T. Williams Community Center improvements and park and field updates. New business includes appointing a commission member to a park/rec position panel, organizing a pickleball tournament, purchasing fitness equipment, and modifying an entertainment contract. The commission will also receive updates from the Blueprint Committee and Permanent Project Building Committee, and discuss the Potato Festival.

• Fiscal Budget & Capitol 25-26 discussion and action
• STW Improvements (Stanley T. Williams Community Center) discussion and action
• Appointment of commission member to full time park/rec position panel
• Pickleball tournament discussion and action
• Entertainment contract modification discussion and action

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the January 28, 2025 meeting. It withdrew the resurfacing of courts from the 2025‑26 fiscal budget. The commission also gave permission to acquire useful equipment from the facility at 67 Totoket Road.

• Approved Jan 28 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Withdrew resurfacing of courts from FY 2025‑26 budget
• Authorized acquisition of equipment from 67 Totoket Road facility

Permanent Project Building Committee

The Permanent Project Building Committee meeting scheduled for March 31, 2025, has been cancelled. No other items were listed on the agenda.

Blueprint Committee

The Blueprint Committee meeting scheduled for March 27, 2025, has been cancelled. No business will be conducted.

• Meeting cancelled; no items discussed or decided

Conservation & Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency (CIWWA)

The agency will continue reviewing Application #2025-1 for development at 32 Ciro Road, which includes clearing, grading, and construction of an 8,000 square foot building for a fence company. The key decision is whether the activity is significant under wetlands regulations. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes and a report from the Wetland Enforcement Officer.

• Application #2025-1 – 32 Ciro Road – site plan for clearing, excavation, grading, filling, drainage and future construction of an 8,000 sq. ft. building for a fence company; continued from Feb. 26, 2025
• Determination of significant activity under wetlands regulations
• Minutes of February 26, 2025 and March 8, 2025 site walk

The agency unanimously approved Cedar Lake Association's application to hydro‑rake and treat about 2,000 sq ft of lake area with Tilcon removing vegetation. It also approved the 32 Ciro Road site‑plan application, determining the activity is not significant. Earlier agenda items, including minutes from February 26 and the March 8 site walk, were also approved unanimously.

• Approved Cedar Lake Association application #2 to hydro‑rake ~2,000 sq ft and remove vegetation (unanimous)
• Approved IWWA application #2025-1 for 32 Ciro Rd site plan, deemed not a significant activity (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of the February 26, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of the March 8, 2025 site walk (unanimous)
• Approved agenda amendment to add Cedar Lake Association hydro‑raking item (unanimous)
• Approved motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:52 p.m. (unanimous)

Town Council Meetings

The North Branford Town Council is conducting a budget workshop to review the proposed Operational and Capital budgets for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Presentations will be given by the Board of Education, Library, and Public Works departments. The council will then take questions before adjourning.

• Budget overview presentation from the Board of Education at 6:30 p.m.
• Budget overview presentation from the Library at 7:00 p.m.
• Budget overview presentation from Public Works at 7:30 p.m.

The March 25, 2025 meeting was a budget workshop where the superintendent and officials presented information on school choice enrollment, AP courses, budget cuts, insurance payments, transportation costs, solar credits, phone bill increases, and several capital projects. No votes, approvals, denials, or other formal actions were recorded.

Permanent Project Building Committee

The Permanent Project Building Committee will receive updates on the North Branford Police Department punchlist, HVAC, and walkthrough schedule, as well as the North Branford High School project including CSG, QAM, glass, and punchlist items. Gilbane will provide an update and discuss ATPs. Legal matters are also on the agenda.

• NBPD punchlist and HVAC update
• NBHS CSG and QAM updates
• NBHS glass and punchlist items
• Gilbane update and ATPs discussion
• Legal matters

The committee approved the minutes from 3/10/2025 after correcting two items. A motion to proceed with Emme's HVAC system, including RAWAL valves and air‑balancing, was passed for $80,750 pending SPA's letter. The board also added $2,500 to the Clerk of the Works budget and amended the agenda to discuss the NBIS budget and to add a parking‑lot paving item.

• Approved 3/10/2025 meeting minutes (corrections made) – passed
• Approved move forward with Emme HVAC system, $80,750 pending SPA letter – passed (abstain: Vice Chairman Bailey)
• Added $2,500 to Clerk of the Works budget – passed (abstain: Vice Chairman Bailey)
• Amended agenda to insert NBIS budget discussion as item 7.1 – passed
• Amended agenda to add item 7.f for NBHS parking lot paving – passed

Planning & Zoning Commission

The commission will hold a public hearing and consider possible action on Application #2025-2 for a site plan to allow a closed-door pharmacy at 28 Branford Road, continued from February 20, 2025. Additionally, the commission will discuss the Town Center Form Based Code and Schedule A. The agenda includes approval of minutes from prior meetings and the town planner's report on application scheduling.

• Public hearing on Application #2025-2 – 28 Branford Road – Site plan for a closed-door pharmacy serving in-house patients only (I-2 zone)
• Discussion of Town Center Form Based Code presentation
• Discussion of Schedule A
• Approval of minutes from January 2, January 16, February 20, and March 6, 2025
• Town Planner’s report on application receipt and scheduling for April 3, 2025

The commission approved Application #2025-2, a site‑plan request for a closed‑door, long‑term‑care pharmacy to serve in‑house patients at 28 Branford Road (I‑2 zone). The motion was moved by Member Marino, seconded by Member Ponder, and passed 5‑0 with no discussion. The commission also approved the minutes of the February 20 and March 6 meetings, each passing unanimously despite two abstentions. Earlier minutes from January 2 and January 16 remain tabled due to lack of quorum.

• Approved Application #2025-2 pharmacy site plan (5-0)
• Approved February 20, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous, Chair Nowak and Siena abstained)
• Approved March 6, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous, Chair Nowak and Ponder abstained)
• January 2 and January 16, 2025 minutes tabled (no quorum)

Board of Education

The Curriculum & Instruction Subcommittee will meet to discuss state testing plans and process grades 3-12. The body will also review the upcoming climate survey instrument and process.

• Overview of state testing plans and process for grades 3-12
• Review of climate survey instrument and process

Board of Education

The North Branford Board of Education will meet to discuss the NBHS Renovation Project and take action on preschool program tuition. The board will also review reports from the Policy and Curriculum, Instruction and Strategic Planning committees.

• North Branford Preschool Program Tuition (discussion and action)
• NBHS Renovation Project (discussion)
• Policy committee report (discussion and action)
• Curriculum, Instruction and Strategic Planning report (discussion)

Town Council Meetings

The Water Pollution Control Authority will decide on two requests to connect to sanitary sewers at 88 Caputo Rd and 45 Ash Dr. The Town Council will discuss bid specifications for a high school athletic storage building (bid #25118) and a Public Works addition/expansion (bid #25119), an electronic voting equipment lease agreement, tax refunds, and contingency appropriations. The council will also confirm the appointment of Sarah A. Brown as Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation and appoint Greg Sharp to the Solid/Hazardous Waste Recycling Committee.

• Request to connect to sanitary sewers at 88 Caputo Rd and 45 Ash Dr
• Approval of bid specifications for NBHS Storage Shed (bid #25118)
• Approval of bid specifications for Public Works Addition/Expansion (bid #25119)
• Electronic Voting Equipment Lease Agreement
• Confirmation of Sarah A. Brown as Assistant Director of Parks & Recreation

The North Branford Town Council and WPCA approved two sanitary sewer connection requests (88 Caputo Rd and 45 Ash Dr), authorized $24,220 from opioid settlement funds for a police officer detail, expanded the P-Card program, and approved several other routine items. The council also confirmed the appointment of Sarah A. Brown as Assistant Parks & Rec Director and adopted a new bid policy. No items were denied or tabled.

• Approved sewer connection at 88 Caputo Rd with $12,300 fee (unanimous)
• Approved sewer connection at 45 Ash Dr (unanimous)
• Authorized $24,220 from Opioid Settlement Fund for Bureau of Specialized Services officer (unanimous)
• Expanded P-Card program to department directors and key staff (unanimous)
• Confirmed Sarah A. Brown as Assistant Parks & Rec Director at $65,000/year (unanimous)
• Adopted new bid policy allowing bids without council pre-review (unanimous)
• Approved contingency appropriations totaling $208,753 (unanimous)
• Approved electronic voting equipment lease agreement (unanimous)

Permanent Project Building Committee

The Permanent Project Building Committee will discuss an HVAC product (EMME) for the North Branford Police Department. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the meeting is limited to this single substantive item.

• Discussion of EMME HVAC product for NBPD

Zoning Board of Appeals

The North Branford Zoning Board of Appeals has cancelled its March 17, 2025 regular meeting because there were no applications or matters to consider. The next scheduled meeting will be held on Monday, April 21, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Hall Council Chambers.

Solid/Hazardous Waste & Recycling Committee

The Solid Hazardous Waste Recycling Committee will meet to discuss waste management topics and select a new chairperson. Discussion items include plastic recycling changes and the NIP Fund.

• Selection/replacement of the Committee's chairperson
• Discussion on Plastic Wrap and Plastic Film/Recycling changes
• Discussion on NIP Fund
• Discussion on Leaf Drop Off and Rain Barrels
• Earth Day planning

The Solid Hazardous Waste & Recycling Committee approved the February 13, 2025 minutes. Members discussed updates on plastic film collection, a donated rain barrel, and plans for Earth Day, but no major policy decisions were made.

• Approved minutes of February 13, 2025 (all in favor; Petroskey and Sharpe abstained)
• Discussed rotating chairperson role (no action taken)
• Noted plastic collection bins removed from town buildings; new bin at Public Works
• Planned Earth Day event for April 26, 2025, including sunflower giveaway

Permanent Project Building Committee

The Permanent Project Building Committee is meeting on March 13, 2024, to hold an executive session regarding strategy for potential claims related to the NBHS (North Branford High School) projects. The sole substantive item is discussion with legal counsel under CGS 1-200 6(B) and (E). The rest of the agenda is procedural.

• Executive session to discuss strategy with legal counsel regarding potential claims on NBHS projects

Agriculture Commission

The Agriculture Commission is holding a special organizational meeting. The body will swear in new members and appoint its leadership roles.

• Swearing in of new members
• Appointment of Chair
• Appointment of Vice Chair
• Appointment of Recording Secretary
• Setting the meeting schedule

The Agriculture Commission held its organizational meeting, swore in members, elected officers, and set a monthly meeting schedule. Stephanie Capasso was elected Chair, Joseph DeFrancesco III Vice Chair, and Jenna Ghobrial Recording Secretary, all by unanimous vote. The commission will meet on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 PM in the Police Station Meeting Room.

• Elected Stephanie Capasso as Chair (unanimous)
• Elected Joseph DeFrancesco III as Vice Chair (unanimous)
• Elected Jenna Ghobrial as Recording Secretary (unanimous)
• Set monthly meetings for 2nd Tuesday, 6:30 PM at Police Station Meeting Room (unanimous)

Board of Education

The North Branford Board of Education Policy Subcommittee is holding a special meeting on March 12, 2025, to discuss proposed updates to the PreK Policy and the Wellness Policy. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the meeting is listed as discussion only.

• Discussion of PreK Policy
• Discussion of Wellness Policy

Library Board

The Library Board will consider approval of minutes from the January 29 meeting and receive reports. They will discuss and take action on several policies including Display and Exhibit, Liability waivers, and Social Media. New business includes the library budget request for FY2025-2026, a Fire Evacuation Policy, a semi-annual statistical report, and a platform lift for Smith Library.

• Library budget request for FY2025-2026
• Display and Exhibit Policy discussion and action
• Social Media Policy discussion and action
• Fire Evacuation Policy consideration
• Smith Library platform lift discussion

The North Branford Library Board approved the Fire Evacuation Policy as presented, with all members in favor. The board also reviewed the FY2025-2026 budget request, noting a requested $20,000 reduction, and discussed the Smith Library platform lift issue. No other formal actions were taken.

• Approved Fire Evacuation Policy (all in favor)
• Approved January 29, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor, Vice Chair Anderson abstained)

Public Safety Communications Committee

The Public Safety Communications Committee meeting scheduled for March 12, 2025, has been cancelled.

Town Council Meetings

The North Branford Town Council is holding a budget workshop to review the proposed operational and capital budgets for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The meeting will focus on presentations from the Police, Parks & Recreation, and Fire departments. Council members will have opportunities to ask questions before adjournment.

• Police Department budget review at 6:30 p.m.
• Parks & Recreation budget review at 7:00 p.m.
• Fire Department budget review at 7:30 p.m.
• Discussion of both operational and capital budgets

The North Branford Town Council held a budget workshop on March 11, 2025, to review the 2025-2026 operational and capital budget requests from the Police, Parks & Recreation, and Fire departments. No formal votes were taken; the meeting was for discussion and review. The next budget workshop will cover Public Works, Board of Ed, and the Library.

• No formal decisions were made; the meeting was a budget workshop for discussion.
• Police Department presented a $526,230 operational budget request (8.6% increase) and a capital request for two patrol vehicles at $128,500.
• Parks & Recreation presented a $945,577 budget proposal (5.14% increase) and four capital projects, including court resurfacing ($85,000) and new lighting ($600,000).
• Fire Department presented its budget request, including capital requests for a new Engine 1 ($950,000), replacement of SCBA air packs ($725,000), and a gear washer.
• The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m.

Finance Sub-committee of the Town Council

The Town Council Finance Sub-Committee will discuss multiple financial items, including a new tabulators lease agreement, homeowner benefits, bid specifications, procurement cards, and budget presentation changes. They will also receive updates on Munis/audit completion, NBIS and STW project finances, and a financial report. All items are listed for discussion only; no votes are scheduled.

• New Tabulators Lease Agreement
• Homeowners Benefits discussion
• Additional Procurement Cards (P-Card)
• Budget Presentation Change
• Contingency Appropriations

The Finance Sub-committee met and discussed multiple items, referring them to the full Town Council for action. These included a lease agreement for new voting tabulators, changes to elderly homeowner tax relief income limits, a proposal to let the Purchasing Agent prepare bids without prior Council approval, and expanding P-Card assignments. No final decisions were made; all items were forwarded for further consideration.

• Referred new tabulators lease agreement to full Town Council
• Referred homeowner tax relief income limit changes to full Council
• Referred bid preparation process change to full Council
• Referred P-Card expansion to full Council
• Referred contingency appropriations to full Council
• Referred financial report to full Council

Board of Police Commissioners

The Board of Police Commissioners will swear in Sgt. Miserendino and consider a grievance withdrawal for Officer Stimpson. They will discuss the budget, radio communications, and a vacation carry-over request for Sgt. Hannon. A Fire Department request for intersection realignment on Clintonville Rd., Woodhouse Ave., and Pistapaug Rd. will be up for action.

• Swearing-in of Sgt. Miserendino
• Withdrawal of grievance for Officer Stimpson
• Budget discussion
• Vacation carry-over for Sgt. Hannon
• Fire Department request for intersection realignment at Clintonville Rd./Woodhouse Ave./Pistapaug Rd.

The Board unanimously approved starting the police bureau of special investigations, allowing the Chief and Deputy Chief to proceed. It also unanimously opposed rumble strips on Route 17, referring the matter to the State DOT, and approved a site development plan for a pharmacy at BH Care. A sergeant's vacation carryover was approved, and a grievance was withdrawn.

• Approved proceeding with bureau of special investigations (unanimous)
• Opposed rumble strips on Route 17, referred to State DOT (unanimous)
• Approved site development plan for BH Care pharmacy (unanimous)
• Approved 2 vacation days carryover for Sgt. Hannon (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of February 10, 2025 (unanimous)
• Added site development plan and Route 17 paving to agenda (unanimous)

Permanent Project Building Committee

The Permanent Project Building Committee is discussing updates on the Newfield and SPA police projects with CENTEK, as well as the STWCC pavilion and ITML report. Key items include the North Branford High School project with CSG, QAM, glass, punchlist, and Gilbane updates, along with the north parking lot and ATPs. Invoices and legal matters are also on the agenda.

• NBPD updates on Newfield, SPA, and CENTEK
• STWCC pavilion update and ITML report
• NBHS updates including CSG, QAM, glass, punchlist, and Gilbane
• North parking lot and ATPs for NBHS
• Approval of meeting minutes from 02/10/2025 and 03/03/2025

The committee approved moving forward with Emme's proposal for a 39-unit HVAC zoning system at the police station for $65,000, pending comments from CENTEK. It also approved a plaque design and purchase order for the police chief not to exceed $3,500. Both motions passed with Vice Chairman Bailey abstaining.

• Approved Emme's 39-unit HVAC zoning proposal for the police station at $65,000, pending CENTEK comments.
• Approved Chief Lovelace to proceed with plaque design and PO creation not to exceed $3,500.
• Approved saw cutting expansion joints for Creative per 2-18-2025 drawings.
• Accepted GE and Blue Star glass per Paul Griese's report, subject to attorney review of warranty language.
• Accepted ATP-0259 credit of $4,724 for floor humps at the high school.
• Approved invoices for NBIS, NBHS, and STWCC projects.
• Increased Paul Griese's purchase order by $12,000.
• Tabled the Newfield invoice until all work at the police station is completed correctly.

Conservation & Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency (CIWWA)

The Conservation and Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency is holding a special meeting and site walk. The agency will review plans for clearing, grading, filling, and drainage at 32 Ciro Road.

• Site walk at 32 Ciro Road regarding a proposed 8,000 square foot building for a fence company

The Conservation & Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency conducted a field walk for Application #2025-1 at 32 Ciro Road. Members observed the flagged wetlands and staked building, noting the wetland to be filled was higher than the planned building location and contained disturbed materials. No motions were made and no vote was taken.

• Field walk conducted for Appl. #2025-1 at 32 Ciro Road
• No motions made or votes taken

Board of Fire Commissioners

The Board of Fire Commissioners will hold a regular meeting with reports from officers and committees. Key discussions include potential changes to fire rescue billing and fire marshal fees. The board will also enter executive session for a personnel matter.

• Recognition of Ben Neubig during public comments
• Discussion/action on Fire Rescue Billing
• Discussion/action on Fire Marshal Fees
• Executive session for a personnel matter per C.G.S. 1-200 (6)(A)

The Board of Fire Commissioners held a regular meeting with no substantive votes. They discussed revisiting fire rescue billing and fire marshal fees, and prioritized capital requests for LUCAS and Hurst tools. No decisions were made on these items.

• Approved minutes from Feb 6 and Feb 20 special meetings (unanimous)
• Discussed fire rescue billing; will revisit later
• Discussed fire marshal fees; will review additional fees
• Prioritized LUCAS and two Hurst tools in capital requests

Planning & Zoning Commission

The North Branford Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing and consider possible action on two site plan applications continued from February 20: a 30'x80' five-bay storage garage for athletic and field equipment at 49 Caputo Road, and a closed-door pharmacy serving in-house patients at 28 Branford Road. The agenda also includes a presentation and discussion on the Town Center Form Based Code.

• Site plan #2024-27: 30'x80' storage garage at 49 Caputo Road (R-40 zone) for school equipment
• Site plan #2025-2: closed-door pharmacy at 28 Branford Road (I-2 zone) for in-house patients only
• Town Center Form Based Code presentation and discussion
• Schedule A discussion (related to permitted uses and standards)

The Commission approved Application #2024-27 for a 30' x 80' five-bay storage garage at 49 Caputo Road for North Branford Public Schools, with standard conditions and a lighting plan. It tabled Application #2025-2 for a closed-door pharmacy at 28 Branford Road until the March 20, 2025 meeting, pending further discussion on police input and public feedback.

• Approved Application #2024-27 for a 30' x 80' five-bay storage garage at 49 Caputo Road, with standard conditions 2, 4, 7, 8, 9 and the lighting plan, by a 5-0 vote.
• Tabled Application #2025-2 for a closed-door pharmacy at 28 Branford Road until March 20, 2025, by a 4-1 vote.
• Tabled minutes from January 2, 2025, January 16, 2025, and February 20, 2025.
• Tabled Town Center Form Based Code presentation and Schedule A discussion.
• Adjourned at 7:45 p.m. by a 5-0 vote.

Board of Assessment Appeals

The Board of Assessment Appeals will hold a special meeting to conduct hearings. The body will hear appeals regarding the October 1, 2024 Grand List and the 2023 Supplemental List.

• Hearings for Real Estate and Personal Property appeals (October 1, 2024 Grand List)
• Hearings for Motor Vehicle appeals (2023 Supplemental List)
• Approval of minutes from the March 4, 2025 special meeting

The Board of Assessment Appeals held a special meeting on March 5, 2025, to hear 31 property assessment appeals. The board approved the minutes from its March 4 meeting. It acted on all appeals, reducing the appraised value of 15 properties, denying changes (NO CHANGE) on 15 others, and noting one withdrawal. The meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m.

• Approved the minutes of the March 4, 2025 special meeting.
• Reduced the appraised value of 44 Ash Dr (Papa) to $395,000.
• Reduced the appraised value of 20 Farmington Dr (Conrad) to $750,000.
• Reduced the appraised value of 94 Linsley Lake Rd (Pellegrini) to $350,000.
• Denied changes (NO CHANGE) for 254 Branford Rd and 260 Branford Rd (254-260 North Branford, LLC).
• Denied changes (NO CHANGE) for 101 Fowler Rd (101 Fowler Road, LLC).
• Reduced the appraised value of 234 White Hollow Rd (Blue Trails Water Association) to $65,571.
• Denied changes (NO CHANGE) for 755 Forest Rd (Czajkowski) and 88 Parsonage Hill Rd (Szwabowski).

Veterans Service Commission

The North Branford Veterans Service Commission will hold a regular meeting on March 4, 2025. They will discuss old business including a tabled item on Purple Heart Day and an update on the Hall of Fame/Honor. New business involves selecting a representative for the Memorial Day parade. The commission will also hear from a representative of Senator Chris Murphy's office.

• Discussion and action on Purple Heart Day (tabled from previous meeting)
• Update on Hall of Fame/Honor
• Appointment of a Memorial Day Parade Representative
• Citizen statement from Claude Campbell, representing Senator Chris Murphy's office

The Veterans Service Commission approved the minutes from the January 4, 2025 meeting (motion by Member Larkins, seconded by Alternate Caroline; Vice Chair Camp abstained). Chair Poston said he will schedule a meeting with Town Manager Downes to discuss Purple Heart signs. The Hall of Honor sub-committee is working on an application and instructions for inductions, with further updates expected in May. The commission also discussed a state bill seeking 50 additional acres for a new Veterans Cemetery and confirmed Charles Larkins as the Memorial Day parade representative.

• Approved the January 4, 2025 meeting minutes (motion passed; Vice Chair Camp abstained).
• Chair Poston will meet with Town Manager Downes to discuss Purple Heart signs.
• Hall of Honor sub-committee will continue developing induction application and instructions, with updates at the May meeting.
• Charles Larkins will remain the Memorial Day parade representative; first parade meeting set for March 10 at 1:00 pm in the Town Manager's Conference Room.

Board of Assessment Appeals

The Board of Assessment Appeals will hold a special meeting to hear scheduled appeals regarding Real Estate and Personal Property from the October 1, 2024 Grand List and Motor Vehicles from the 2023 Supplemental List. The meeting will also consider approval of minutes from the prior day's special meeting.

• Hearings for appeals to the Real Estate and Personal Property on the October 1, 2024 Grand List
• Hearings for appeals to Motor Vehicles on the 2023 Supplemental List
• Approval of minutes from the March 3, 2025 special meeting

The North Branford Board of Assessment Appeals held a special meeting on March 4, 2025, to hear 17 real estate assessment appeals. The board approved the prior meeting's minutes and then acted on each appeal, deciding to reduce appraised values on seven properties, increase one, and leave the rest unchanged. The meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.

• Approved March 3, 2025 special meeting minutes (unanimous)
• No change: Palma, Donato — 59 Wood Chase Ln
• Increase: Crismale, Kara — 747 Forest Rd — appraised value to $604,655
• Reduce: Hanratty, Peter & Debra — 74 Forest View Rd — appraised value to $350,000
• No change: Forcinelli, Marc & Laura — 116 Summit Dr
• No change: Dipino, Michael & Clare — 159 Summit Dr
• No change: Tetrault, Darryl & Yuka — 934 Totoket Rd
• No change: Monaco, Gail — 222 Clintonville Rd

Public Safety Communications Committee

The Public Safety Communications Committee is holding a special meeting to discuss and potentially take action on radio communication issues. The town attorney will be present for the review.

• Discussion and possible action on radio communication issues with the Town Attorney

Board of Assessment Appeals

The Board of Assessment Appeals will hold a special meeting to hear scheduled appeals regarding real estate and personal property on the October 1, 2024 Grand List, as well as motor vehicles on the 2023 Supplemental List. The meeting agenda includes only these hearings, review of prior minutes, and adjournment.

• Public hearings for real estate and personal property assessment appeals on the 2024 Grand List
• Public hearings for motor vehicle assessment appeals on the 2023 Supplemental List
• Approval of minutes from the regular meeting held September 10, 2024

The Board of Assessment Appeals held a special meeting on March 3, 2025, and acted on 20 property tax appeals. The board reduced appraised values for 7 properties, denied changes for 12, and made no change for 1 property where the owner did not appear. The meeting minutes from September 10, 2024, were approved.

• Approved September 10, 2024 meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Reduced appraised value to $850,400 for 67 Glenwood Rd (Angeloni)
• Reduced appraised value to $306,520 for 237 Totoket Rd (Christiano)
• Reduced appraised value to $357,832 for 10 Foote Hill Rd (Bassett)
• Reduced appraised value to $345,800 for 317 Twin Lakes Rd (Wisting)
• Reduced appraised value to $420,000 for 17 Pioneer Dr (Rodriguez)
• Reduced appraised value to $560,800 for 20 Totoket Rd (Castracane)
• Reduced appraised value to $482,600 for 41 Jackson Ln (Joiner)

Economic Development Commission

The commission will approve minutes from February 2024, take up new business including a Restaurant Month drawing and an update from the Town Manager, and continue old business with a debrief of Restaurant Month and work on the Strategic Plan. Reports are scheduled from the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce, Assistant Town Manager, and Planning & Zoning. No specific decisions, dollar amounts, or public hearings are listed on the agenda.

• Restaurant Month drawing (new business)
• Town Manager update (new business)
• Restaurant Month debrief (old business)
• Strategic Plan discussion (old business)
• Reports from Shoreline Chamber of Commerce, Assistant Town Manager, and Planning & Zoning

The Economic Development Commission postponed the Restaurant Month raffle drawing to next Monday, to be held live on Facebook. The commission agreed to repeat Restaurant Month next year. Town Manager Michael Downes proposed hosting an Italian/Irish-themed night, possibly in late September or early October, which the committee supported as an idea.

• Postponed Restaurant Month raffle drawing to next Monday (live on Facebook)
• Agreed to repeat Restaurant Month next year
• Discussed Italian/Irish-themed night proposal (no formal action)

Permanent Project Building Committee

The committee is meeting to receive updates on the STWCC pavilion and ITML report. Members will discuss several North Branford High School (NBHS) items, including roofing warranty approval and paving issues. The agenda also includes a review of the NBHS storage building and legal matters.

• STWCC Pavilion update
• NBHS roofing warranty approval
• NBHS fencing and glass updates
• NBHS paving issues and ATPs
• NBHS storage building discussion

The Permanent Project Building Committee voted to rescind approval of the high school glass warranty until a final third-party report is reviewed. It also approved a $77,627 fence replacement contract with Guilford Fence, approved the roofing warranty for signature, and tabled a credit for floor humps pending a walkthrough.

• Rescinded approval of NBHS glass warranty until final report and discussions (unanimous)
• Approved Guilford Fence contract for $77,627 for NBHS fence replacement (unanimous)
• Approved roofing warranty for Town Manager signature, pending attorney approval (unanimous)
• Approved ATP-0265 credit of -$526 for 1-inch map rail (unanimous)
• Approved ATP-0264 credit of -$5,470 for universal waste work not performed (unanimous)
• Tabled ATP-0259 credit for floor humps until March 7 walkthrough (unanimous)
• Tabled approval of 2/10/2025 meeting minutes until March 10 (unanimous)

Blueprint Committee

The Blueprint Committee meeting scheduled for February 27, 2025, has been cancelled. No items were discussed or decided.

Conservation & Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency (CIWWA)

The Conservation & Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency will meet to discuss a new application for 32 Ciro Road. The agency is reviewing a proposal for a new 8,000 square foot building for a fence company.

• Application #2025-1: 32 Ciro Road site plan for an 8,000 square foot fence company building including clearing, excavation, grading, filling, and drainage

The Conservation & Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency tabled Application #2025-1 for 32 Ciro Road, a proposal to build an 8,000-square-foot building and paved yard for Gateway Fence, until its next meeting. The decision followed discussion about wetland impacts, drainage, and a planned site walk. The site walk is scheduled for March 8, 2025, at 9 a.m. at 32 Ciro Road. The agency also approved minutes from its December 18, 2024, and January 22, 2025, meetings.

• Tabled Appl. #2025-1 (32 Ciro Road site plan) pending site walk (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of December 18, 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of January 22, 2025 (unanimous; Member Joiner abstained)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The February 25, 2025 meeting of the North Branford Recreation Commission has been cancelled. No business was conducted or discussed.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting scheduled for February 24, 2025, has been cancelled due to lack of business.

Board of Fire Commissioners

The Board of Fire Commissioners will hold a special meeting to discuss and take action on several operational items. Key topics include budget additions and equipment disposition.

• Capital Budget Additions 2025-2026
• Disposition of Tower 1
• Selection of a new annual physical provider

The Board of Fire Commissioners voted unanimously to add four capital items to the 2025-2026 budget request: ten sets of gear ($75,000), a new vehicle ($50,000), a LUCAS chest compression device ($19,925), and gear washers ($25,500). They also approved selling the former Tower 1 to EJ Boughton Co. LLC for $5,500 and selected Griffin Hospital Occupational Health for annual member physicals at $205 per member.

• Approved adding $75K for ten gear sets, $50K vehicle, LUCAS, and gear washers to budget (unanimous)
• Approved sale of Tower 1 to EJ Boughton Co. LLC for $5,500 (unanimous)
• Approved Griffin Hospital for annual physicals at $205 per member (unanimous)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will consider two site plan applications: a closed-door pharmacy at 28 Branford Road for in-house patients only, and a storage garage for athletic equipment at 49 Caputo Road. The commission will also discuss the Town Center Form Based Code and Schedule A amendments. No public hearings are scheduled.

• Site plan application #2025-2 for a closed-door pharmacy at 28 Branford Road (I-2 zone), applicant: Genoa Healthcare
• Site plan application #2024-27 for a 30x80 ft five-bay storage garage at 49 Caputo Road (R-40 zone) for school athletic equipment
• Discussion of Town Center Form Based Code presentation
• Discussion of Schedule A regulations

The Planning & Zoning Commission tabled both site plan applications until the March 6, 2025 meeting. The first, for a 30' x 80' five-bay storage garage at 49 Caputo Road, was tabled 4-0 pending updated plans. The second, for a closed-door pharmacy at 28 Branford Road, was tabled 3-1 (with one abstention) for further discussion. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Tabled site plan for 30' x 80' storage garage at 49 Caputo Road (4-0)
• Tabled site plan for closed-door pharmacy at 28 Branford Road (3-1, Marino abstained)

Board of Education

The North Branford Board of Education Curriculum & Instruction Subcommittee is meeting to discuss the North Branford High School (NBHS) Program of Studies. The body will also review progress regarding NEASC Accreditation for the high school.

• NBHS Program of Studies
• NBHS NEASC Accreditation updates

Board of Education

The North Branford Board of Education will hold a regular meeting including a student presentation from the TVES Recycling Committee. The board will discuss and take possible action on the Superintendent's 2025/2026 Capital Request and the NBHS Renovation Project. Other items include a finance report, kindergarten registration discussion, and committee reports. The consent agenda has no resignations, appointments, leaves, donations, or field trips.

• TVES Recycling Committee student presentation
• Superintendent's 2025/2026 Capital Request – discussion and action
• NBHS Renovation Project discussion
• Kindergarten registration discussion
• Finance report discussion

Town Council Meetings

The North Branford Town Council and Water Pollution Control Authority will hold a joint public hearing on the disposition of five town-owned properties: 1599 Foxon Rd, 53 Nida Dr, 293 Sea Hill Rd, 127 Old Post Rd, and 672 Totoket Rd. Following the hearing, the council will consider several RFPs for professional services, including financial advisors and bond consultants, and appoint members to various boards. The meeting will also include discussion of a high school athletic storage building and an agreement with the school administrators' association.

• Public hearing and possible action on disposition of five town-owned properties (1599 Foxon Rd, 53 Nida Dr, 293 Sea Hill Rd, 127 Old Post Rd, 672 Totoket Rd)
• Approval of bid specifications for NBHS Storage Shed (Bid #25118)
• Approval of RFPs for Financial Advisors (RFP #926013) and Bond Consultants (RFP #926014)
• Appointment of Mary Caruso to Planning & Zoning Commission as alternate (term to 05-31-27)
• Appointment of Greg Sharpe to Solid/Hazardous Waste Recycling Committee (term to 12-31-27)

The Town Council held a public hearing on the potential sale of five town-owned properties, hearing from residents who opposed the sale of 1599 Foxon Rd. After an executive session, the Council voted 8-0 to authorize the Town Manager to proceed with the sale of 293 Sea Hill Rd and 127 Old Post Rd. The Council also approved several appointments, including to the new Agriculture Commission, and accepted a school administrators' contract.

• Authorized Town Manager to proceed with sale of 293 Sea Hill Rd and 127 Old Post Rd (8-0)
• Approved agreement with North Branford School Administrators' Association for 07-01-25 to 06-30-28 (all in favor)
• Adopted PPBC recommendation for Edward Smith Library HVAC system (all in favor)
• Authorized application for 2025 STEAP Grant for $1,000,000 for library HVAC (all in favor)
• Appointed 7 members and 2 alternates to the Agriculture Commission (all in favor)
• Approved RFP specifications for Financial Advisors, Bond Council, Engineering Services, and Public Works Addition/Expansion (all in favor)
• Approved tax refunds as presented (all in favor)
• Tabled decisions on NBHS Athletic Storage Building, storage shed bid specs, and budget referendum postcards

Solid/Hazardous Waste & Recycling Committee

The Solid Hazardous Waste & Recycling Committee will meet to discuss waste management topics and conduct a vote to select or replace the committee chairperson. Other discussion items include plastic wrap, the NIP Fund, and Earth Day.

• Selection/replacement of the Committee’s chairperson
• Discussion on plastic wrap
• Discussion on NIP Fund
• Follow up on Recycling Card Distribution
• Earth Day planning

The Solid/Hazardous Waste & Recycling Committee met on February 13, 2025, and approved the minutes from January 9, 2025, with corrections. No substantive policy decisions were made; the meeting focused on reports and discussions about recycling programs, including school outreach, plastic film collection, and updates from DEEP on state recycling initiatives.

• Approved January 9, 2025 minutes with corrections (all in favor; Pursley and Anderson abstained)
• Discussed need to alert Town Manager about vacant chairperson position (no action taken)
• Noted plastic film collection: 375 lbs collected in January; 616 lbs needed for Trex bench
• Heard updates on CT Bottle Bill, EPR programs, and food waste recycling laws (informational only)

Pension Committee

The Pension Committee will consider approving minutes from previous meetings, discuss and possibly take action on a pension RFP, and review a pension request from Robert Stimpson. Updates will be provided on pending pension requests from three firefighters. The committee will also review a quarterly report from USI.

• Discussion and action on Pension RFP
• Pension request from Robert Stimpson
• Update on pension request of Firefighter David Roden
• Update on pension request of Firefighter Robert Donnelly
• Review of USI quarterly report

Board of Education

This is a budget workshop where the Board will review the Superintendent's proposed 2025/2026 operating budget and capital request, with possible action on each. They will also consider scheduling additional workshop sessions. Public comment is limited to agenda items.

• Discussion and possible action on 2025/2026 Operating Budget
• Discussion and possible action on Capital Request
• Schedule additional Budget Workshop(s)

Public Safety Communications Committee

The committee will elect a chair, approve past minutes, and discuss several communication infrastructure topics. Major agenda items include additional information on towers, radio issues for police, fire, and public works, and enhancing cell phone reception inside the high school for public safety. The 2025 meeting schedule will also be approved.

• Election of a Chair
• Discussion of additional information on towers
• Radio issues – Police, Fire and Public Works
• Enhancing cell phone service reception inside high school for public safety
• Approval of 2025 meeting schedule

The committee unanimously approved a motion to inform the Town Council of ongoing fire department radio problems, described as a life-safety issue, and to request a legal opinion on holding private contractors accountable. It also voted to freeze all financial obligations to the contractors until the issues are resolved, and approved additional funds for radio infrastructure to improve fire department and Medcomm communications. The committee accepted the terms of the tower contract, noting the town's fiscal responsibility for property taxes, and approved the 2025 meeting schedule.

• Approved minutes from January 22, 2025 (unanimous)
• Reappointed Marie Diamond as Chair (unanimous)
• Approved motion to inform Town Council of radio issues and request legal opinion (unanimous)
• Approved freezing financial obligations to private contractors until radio issues resolved (unanimous)
• Approved additional funds for radio infrastructure for fire department and Medcomm communications
• Accepted terms of tower contract, including town's fiscal responsibility for property taxes
• Approved 2025 meeting schedule (unanimous)

Finance Sub-committee of the Town Council

The Town Council Finance Sub-committee meeting scheduled for February 11, 2025, has been cancelled.

Board of Police Commissioners

The North Branford Board of Police Commissioners will consider approving the 2024-2025 police/communications budget, a vacation carryover request from Sgt. Redente, and several traffic authority items including a road closure and road striping. The board will also hold an executive session to interview candidates for a sergeant position.

• Review and possible approval of 2024-2025 police/communications budget
• Vacation carryover request by Sgt. Redente
• Closure of North Street on June 28, 2025 for 2nd Annual Community Access Awareness Day
• Center line paint striping for municipal roads requested by CT DOT
• Executive session for sergeant position interviews (Officer Pane, Corporal Miserendino, Corporal Cosenza)

The Board unanimously promoted Corporal Christopher Miserendino to Sergeant, with the effective date to be set by the Chief. It also approved a $12,641.88 transfer for fire department communication infrastructure, a 32-hour vacation carryover for Sgt. Redente, and a road closure for a community event. The 2025-2026 police budget was reviewed but not voted on.

• Promoted Corporal Christopher Miserendino to Sergeant (unanimous)
• Ranked candidates for promotion: Miserendino, Cosenza, Pane, Hannon (unanimous)
• Approved $12,641.88 transfer for fire department Medcon/AMR infrastructure (unanimous)
• Approved 32-hour vacation carryover for Sgt. Redente, to be used by 5/1/25 (unanimous)
• Approved closing North Street on 6/28/25 for Community Access Awareness Day (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of January 13, 2025 (unanimous, Augur abstaining)

Permanent Project Building Committee

The Permanent Project Building Committee will receive updates on several capital projects, including a third-party glass report for North Branford High School and a choice between copper or PVC boiler piping at the Newfield police station. Other discussions include the STWCC pavilion progress, NBHS storage building, and contractor updates from Gilbane and CSG. The committee will also handle invoices and legal matters. No final votes are scheduled; all items are informational updates.

• Third-party glass report for NBHS from Paul Griese
• Boiler piping decision (copper vs PVC) at Newfield police station
• Pavilion update at STWCC (Creative Rec and ITML report)
• NBHS storage building update
• Invoices and legal items

The Permanent Project Building Committee accepted GE and BlueStar glass for the North Branford High School project per QA+M's recommendations, with a $35,000 credit and remaining warranties of 13 years for GE and 8 years for BlueStar. The committee also approved multiple change orders (ATPs) for the high school project, including a $19,853 storefront support clarification and a $7,872 credit for exterior discoloration. Several invoices were approved, and a $100,000 Newfield invoice was tabled.

• Accepted GE and BlueStar glass with $35,000 credit and warranty balance (13 yrs GE, 8 yrs BlueStar)
• Approved ATP-0186 Phase 4 Storefront Support Clarifications ($19,853)
• Accepted ATP-0262 credit for Exterior Arriscraft Discoloration ($7,872)
• Approved ATP-0255 Phase 2 Expansion Joint Replacement ($7,403)
• Approved ATP-0258 Phase 4 Stair Handrail Extension ($10,174)
• Accepted ATP-0261 credit for Light Pole Base Elevation Discrepancy ($2,625)
• Tabled ATP-0259 credit for Floor Humps until vetted
• Tabled Newfield invoice for $100,000

Board of Fire Commissioners

The Board of Fire Commissioners will meet to discuss and take action on several 2025-2026 budget items. The meeting includes reviews of operating budgets for the fire and ambulance departments, capital requests, and equipment reserves.

• Fire Department Operating Budget 2025-2026
• Ambulance Operating Budget 2025-2026
• Fire Department Capital Request Budget Items 2025-2026
• Fire Department Equipment Reserve 2025-2026
• Disposition of Tower 1

Board of Fire Commissioners

The previously scheduled regular Board of Fire Commissioners meeting on February 6, 2025, at Company #3 has been cancelled. A special meeting is scheduled for the same date at Company #4 at 7:00 p.m. No agenda items are listed.

• Regular meeting at Company #3 cancelled
• Special meeting scheduled at Company #4 at 7:00 p.m.

The Board of Fire Commissioners approved the 2025-2026 Fire Department Operating Budget of $1,151,510 and the Ambulance Fund Budget as presented. They also approved $140,000 for two Hurst extrication tools for Rescue 1 and Rescue 2, and approved a revised ambulance stipend rate of $16.50/hour retroactive to January 1, 2025. The Board decided to re-list Tower 1 for sale after the highest bid was $5,000, and will send a letter to the Traffic Authority about intersection safety.

• Approved Fire Department Operating Budget 2025-2026 of $1,151,510 (unanimous)
• Approved Ambulance Fund Budget 2025-2026 as presented (unanimous)
• Approved $140,000 for two Hurst extrication tools for Rescue 1 and Rescue 2 (unanimous)
• Approved revised ambulance stipend rate of $16.50/hour retroactive to January 1, 2025 (4-1, Burich abstained)
• Approved letter to Traffic Authority regarding Pistapaug and Northford Center intersections (unanimous)
• Approved recommendation to police commission to purchase a radio for MedCom at $12,641.81 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from January 2, 2025 regular meeting (4-0, DellaCamera abstained)
• Tabled decision on Tower 1 sale; re-listed for one month

Planning & Zoning Commission

The North Branford Planning & Zoning Commission has cancelled its regular meeting of February 6, 2025, because of anticipated inclement weather. The next scheduled regular meeting is February 20, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in Town Hall.

• Next regular meeting: February 20, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. at 909 Foxon Road

Board of Education

The Board of Education will hold a workshop to discuss and possibly act on the Superintendent's proposed operating budget and capital request for the 2025/2026 fiscal year. The Director of Personnel and Business will present the budget details. Public comment is limited to agenda items.

• Presentation of the 2025/2026 operating budget for discussion and possible action
• Presentation of the 2025/2026 capital budget request for discussion and possible action
• Public comment period restricted to agenda items

Veterans Service Commission

The Veterans Service Commission meeting scheduled for February 4, 2025 has been cancelled. No decisions or discussions took place.

• Meeting cancelled

Permanent Project Building Committee

The Permanent Project Building Committee is meeting for a walkthrough of the Edward Smith Library. The purpose of the visit is to review the facility's HVAC systems.

• HVAC systems review at Edward Smith Library (3 Old Post Road, Northford)

Economic Development Commission

The Economic Development Commission will consider new business including REX Development and the FY 2025-6 Budget. Under old business, they will debrief Restaurant Month and review data, and discuss the SCRCOG Regional Housing Strategy as part of the Strategic Plan. Reports from the Assistant Town Manager and Planning & Zoning are scheduled.

• New Business: REX Development
• New Business: FY 2025-6 Budget
• Old Business: Restaurant Month debrief and data
• Old Business: SCRCOG Regional Housing Strategy
• Approval of January 6, 2024 regular meeting minutes

The Economic Development Commission approved the FY 2025-26 budget as presented, with all members in favor. They also approved the January 6, 2025 meeting minutes, with one abstention. The meeting included a presentation on regional economic development and a discussion of Restaurant Month follow-up activities.

• Approved FY 2025-26 budget as presented (unanimous)
• Approved January 6, 2025 meeting minutes (1 abstention)

Permanent Project Building Committee

The Permanent Project Building Committee is meeting to discuss ongoing construction projects including the Edward Smith Library (ESL) proposal selection, the STWCC pavilion footing review, and North Branford High School (NBHS) punchlist items from QAM. The committee will also consider legal matters and approve prior meeting minutes.

• Edward Smith Library - H.F. Lenz proposal selection
• STWCC pavilion footing review and building inspector coordination
• NBHS QAM punchlist and Gilbane ATPs
• CSG item for NBHS
• Approval of meeting minutes from January 27, 2025

The Permanent Project Building Committee voted to recommend a funding level up to $1.85 million for a STEAP grant application for the Edward Smith Library, while continuing to evaluate project options. The committee also passed a motion requiring IMTL to verify rebar placement in the STWCC pavilion piers via x-ray if documentation is not provided. Meeting minutes from January 27 were approved with corrections.

• Approved minutes from 1/27/2025 with corrections (unanimous)
• Recommended up to $1.85M funding for STEAP grant for Edward Smith Library (unanimous)
• Required IMTL to x-ray STWCC pavilion piers if rebar placement cannot be verified (unanimous)

Library Board

The North Branford Library Board approved a $1,068,099 budget request for FY2025-2026 as proposed by the Library Director and authorized $30,000 in trust fund expenditures for collections and databases. The board also heard updates on the Smith Library HVAC replacement project, which has four options ranging from $522,945 to $2,359,053 referred to the PPBC, and reviewed plans for the June 28th Community Access Awareness Day fundraiser.

• Approved FY2025-2026 library budget request of $1,068,099
• Authorized $28,000 from Atwater Trust and $2,000 from Smith Trust for collections and database subscriptions
• Smith Library HVAC replacement options presented: Option A ($522,945), B ($742,572), C ($1,847,384), D ($2,359,053) – referred to PPBC
• Community Access Awareness Day fundraiser set for June 28th, ticket $20, last year raised $8,000
• Edward Smith Library sidewalk replacement estimated at $60,000

The North Branford Library Board approved a $1,068,099 budget request for FY2025-2026 as proposed by the Library Director, and also approved proposing $28,000 from the Atwater Trust and $2,000 from the Smith Trust for collection materials and database subscriptions. The board approved the December 11, 2024 minutes and moved an agenda item to hear a presentation on Community Access Awareness Day, which was approved for use of library facilities. No other substantive decisions were made; several policies remain without updates.

• Approved FY2025-2026 budget request of $1,068,099 (unanimous)
• Approved proposing $28,000 from Atwater Trust and $2,000 from Smith Trust for collections (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from December 11, 2024 (unanimous, with one abstention)
• Approved moving Community Access Awareness Day presentation up on agenda (unanimous)
• Approved Peace, Love, ACCESSibility's use of Atwater Library parking lot, grounds, and restrooms for June 28 event

Parks & Recreation Commission

The North Branford Parks and Recreation Commission will hold elections for commission officers, discuss and potentially act on the fiscal year 2025-26 budget and capital improvement plan, and review improvements to the Stanley T. Williams Community Center. They will also consider approving a request for quotations for shuttle services for the Potato Festival.

• Recreation Commission elections
• Stanley T. Williams Community Center improvements discussion
• Fiscal budget 2025-26 discussion and action
• Capital improvement 2025-26 discussion and action
• Approve RFQ for Potato Festival shuttles

The Parks and Recreation Commission approved the Fiscal Budget 25-26 with proposed changes, capital improvements including picnic tables, court resurfacing, and lighting updates at Northford Park, and allowed Youth Lacrosse to install a shed pending Planning and Zoning permits. The commission also elected Steve Torino as Chairman and John Onofrio as Vice-Chairman, and awarded shuttle services to B&B Transportation for the Potato Festival. Minutes from December 10, 2024 were tabled.

• Tabled December 10, 2024 meeting minutes
• Elected Steve Torino as Chairman (1 abstention)
• Elected John Onofrio as Vice-Chairman (1 abstention)
• Approved Youth Lacrosse shed installation pending Planning and Zoning permits
• Approved Fiscal Budget 25-26 with proposed changes
• Approved capital improvements: picnic tables (~$20,000), Northford Park court resurfacing, and lighting updates
• Awarded shuttle bus services to B&B Transportation for Potato Festival

Zoning Board of Appeals

The North Branford Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing and consider action on a variance request to reduce the front setback from 50 to 45 feet at 398 Village Street, allowing a front porch addition. The board will also approve minutes from the November 18, 2024 meeting and handle other routine business.

• Public hearing on Application #2024-12, 398 Village Street: variance from Section 24, Schedule B, Line 7.1 to reduce front setback to 45 feet (required 50 feet) for a front porch.
• Approval of minutes from the November 18, 2024 meeting.
• Possible action on the variance application after public hearing.

The North Branford Zoning Board of Appeals approved a variance to reduce the front setback from 50 to 45 feet at 398 Village Street, allowing a front porch to be built. The vote was unanimous among the four members present. The applicant cited the need to protect delivered medication packages from weather and theft, and the porch will be handicap accessible.

• Approved variance for front porch at 398 Village Street (4-0)
• Approved minutes of November 18, 2024 (unanimous)

Permanent Project Building Committee

The Permanent Project Building Committee will discuss and potentially decide on proposals for the Edward Smith Library, review footing details and building inspector updates for the STWCC Pavilion, and overview plans for the DPW Renovation. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes, citizen statements, invoices, and legal matters.

• Edward Smith Library – H.F. Lenz and proposal selection
• STWCC Pavilion – footing review and building inspector update
• DPW Renovation – plans overview
• Approval of meeting minutes from 01/13/2025
• Invoices and legal matters

The Permanent Project Building Committee reviewed four HVAC replacement options for the Edward Smith Library, ranging from $525,000 to $2.4 million, but took no action. They approved invoices for the NBPD project and a $99,771 payment to Creative Recreation for the STWCC project. The committee also discussed footing concerns at the STWCC pavilion and plans for the DPW renovation.

• Approved minutes from 1/13/2025 with corrections
• Approved NBPD invoices totaling $8,014 (ME Obrien $2,700, Trailer Depot $5,314)
• Approved $99,771 payment to Creative Recreation for STWCC project

Board of Education

The Board of Education's Curriculum & Instruction Subcommittee will meet to discuss K-12 curriculum programs and materials, software and technology supporting instruction, and an overview of the curriculum and instruction budget. No decisions or votes are scheduled; the meeting is limited to discussion of these topics.

• Discussion of curriculum programs and materials for grades K-12
• Discussion of software and technology to support curriculum and instruction
• Curriculum and Instruction budget overview

Board of Education

The North Branford Board of Education will discuss the Superintendent's 2025/2026 Budget Request and monthly finance report. They will also consider the ACES Open Choice Program and Educational Center for the Arts, and review the NBHS Renovation Project. Committee reports and proposed 2026 meeting dates are up for discussion and possible action. The meeting includes routine consent agenda items.

• Discussion of Superintendent's 2025/2026 Budget Request and finance report
• Discussion and possible action on ACES – Open Choice Program
• Discussion and possible action on ACES – Educational Center for the Arts
• Discussion of NBHS Renovation Project
• Proposed 2026 Board of Education Meeting Dates

Blueprint Committee

The Blueprint Committee will hold a meeting on January 23, 2025, to approve minutes from November 2024 and receive updates on North Branford Town Properties and the Center Committee. The agenda consists of routine business items with no specific proposals or financial details.

• Approval of minutes from November 21, 2024
• Discussion and action on update regarding North Branford Town Properties
• Discussion and action on update regarding the Center Committee

The Blueprint Committee voted to recommend that the Town Council put four properties (293 Sea Hill Rd, 53 Nida Dr, 127 Old Post Rd, 672 Totoket Rd) out to public bid with no minimum starting value and notification to abutters. They also recommended that the Town Council consult legal counsel regarding the 1599 Foxon Rd property and then list it as an open listing, with a consensus for mixed-use (commercial and housing) development. The minutes from November 21, 2024, were approved.

• Approved minutes from November 21, 2024 (all in favor, Fonda abstained)
• Recommended Town Council put 293 Sea Hill Rd, 53 Nida Dr, 127 Old Post Rd, 672 Totoket Rd out to public bid with no minimum (all in favor)
• Recommended Town Council consult legal team on 1599 Foxon Rd and list as open listing (all in favor, Symansky abstained)

Conservation & Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency (CIWWA)

The Conservation & Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency will continue its review of Application #2024-4 for a five-bay storage garage at 49 Caputo Road, proposed by the North Branford Public Schools. The agency will also consider minutes from December 18, 2024, and receive the Wetland Enforcement Officer's report. No new business is on the agenda.

• Continued application #2024-4 for construction of a 5-bay storage garage at 49 Caputo Road to store athletic and field maintenance equipment (Town of North Branford / North Branford Public Schools, John Florio agent)
• Approval of minutes from the regular meeting of December 18, 2024
• Wetland Enforcement Officer's report (staff)

The Conservation & Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency approved application #2024-4 for a 30' x 80' five-bay storage garage at 49 Caputo Road (aka 654 Foxon Road) to store athletic and field maintenance equipment. The approval includes standard conditions and expires January 22, 2030. The December 18, 2024 meeting minutes were tabled due to lack of voting members. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved IWWA application #2024-4 for a 5-bay storage garage at 49 Caputo Road (unanimous)
• Tabled approval of December 18, 2024 meeting minutes

Public Safety Communications Committee

The Public Safety Communications Committee will meet to discuss and take action regarding two specific communication infrastructure projects. The meeting focuses on cell tower installations in the community.

• Tilcon Cell Tower ARX
• Homeland Tower in Northford

The Public Safety Communications Committee met to discuss public safety radio tower contracts and property tax liabilities. Attorney Bryan LeClerc stated the committee was not required to review contracts before the Town Manager signed them. No formal decisions or votes were made; the meeting was informational, with plans to compile radio issues and elect a chairperson at the next meeting.

• No formal decisions or votes taken at the meeting
• Next meeting scheduled for February 12, 2025, to compile radio issues and elect a chairperson

Town Council Meetings

The Town Council and Water Pollution Control Authority will meet to discuss sanitary sewer connections and a large volume of board reappointments. The council is also reviewing the disposition of five town-owned properties and HVAC projects for the Edward Smith Library.

• Sanitary sewer connection requests for 79 Branford Rd and 286 Branford Rd
• Disposition of town properties at 1599 Foxon Rd, 53 Nida Dr, 293 Sea Hill Rd, 127 Old Post Rd, and 672 Totoket Rd
• STEAP Grant application for Edward Smith Library HVAC system
• Approval of FY 2024-2025 Budget Schedule (Draft)
• Appointment of Kerry Haynes as Director of Parks & Recreation and Senior Center

The North Branford Town Council approved two sanitary sewer connection requests (146 and 286 Branford Rd) with special fees, authorized applying for a STEAP grant for the Edward Smith Library HVAC system, and confirmed Kerry Haynes as the new Director of Parks, Recreation, and Senior Center. The council also approved a budget schedule, referred the Public Works building project to the PPBC, and tabled several items including the NBHS storage shed and a contingency transfer for Munis software training.

• Approved sewer connection at 146 Branford Rd with $12,300 fee (unanimous)
• Approved sewer connection at 286 Branford Rd with $12,000 fee (unanimous)
• Authorized STEAP grant application for Edward Smith Library HVAC (unanimous)
• Confirmed Kerry Haynes as Parks & Recreation Director at $91,000/year (unanimous)
• Approved FY 2024-2025 budget schedule with finalization April 22 (unanimous)
• Referred Public Works building addition to PPBC (unanimous)
• Tabled NBHS storage shed bid specs (unanimous)
• Tabled contingency transfer for Munis training (unanimous)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The commission holds a public hearing and may vote on a special use permit for a 50x30 foot pavilion for family events at 64 Lanes Pond Road. Also on the agenda: a site plan review for a 2,120 square foot addition to the town public works building at 290 Forest Road, and approval of house numbers for a new subdivision at 43 Totoket Road.

• Public hearing: Special Use Permit for a 50' x 30' pavilion at 64 Lanes Pond Road (R-80 zone)
• Site Plan review for a 2,120 sf two-story addition to the public works building at 290 Forest Road (R-40 zone)
• Approval of house numbers for a new subdivision at 43 Totoket Road
• Approval of minutes from January 2, 2025

The Planning & Zoning Commission approved a site plan for a two-story addition to the town's public works building at 290 Forest Road, and also approved a special use permit for a 1,500 sq ft residential pavilion at 64 Lanes Pond Road. Both approvals were unanimous (3-0). The commission also assigned street addresses for two lots in a subdivision at 43 Totoket Road.

• Approved site plan for 2,120 sq ft addition to public works building at 290 Forest Road (3-0)
• Approved special use permit for 1,500 sq ft pavilion at 64 Lanes Pond Road (3-0)
• Approved 8-24 referral for public works building addition (3-0)
• Approved street addresses 47 and 43 Totoket Road for subdivision lots (3-0)

Board of Education

The Policy Subcommittee of the North Branford Board of Education will hold a special meeting on January 16, 2025, to discuss three specific policies: Plan for Minority Staff Recruitment (P2600), Weighted Grading (P3205), and Retention and Disposition of Records (P7460). No votes or decisions are scheduled; the agenda is limited to discussion and scheduling of the next meeting.

• Discussion of policy P2600 – Plan for Minority Staff Recruitment
• Discussion of policy P3205 – Weighted Grading
• Discussion of policy P7460 – Retention and Disposition of Records

Veterans Service Commission

The Veterans Service Commission will review and discuss the current Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget and begin planning for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget. They will also receive an update on the status of the Middletown Veterans State Cemetery and discuss old business including Purple Heart Day and the Hall of Fame/Honor.

• Discussion on Purple Heart Day observance for the future (tabled item)
• Update on the Hall of Fame/Honor project
• Status update on the Middletown Veterans State Cemetery
• Review of FY2024-2025 budget
• Planning for FY2025-2026 budget

The Veterans Service Commission approved a motion to allocate up to $2,000 for Purple Heart signs, preferring a local vendor. They also formed a sub-committee for the Veterans Hall of Honor and discussed budget updates and cemetery concerns.

• Approved up to $2,000 for Purple Heart signs (unanimous)
• Formed sub-committee for Hall of Honor (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from October 29, 2024 (passed, with abstentions)

Finance Sub-committee of the Town Council

The Town Council Finance Sub-committee will meet to discuss several financial and administrative items. The agenda includes a review of the draft budget schedule for FY 2024-2025 and various vendor and lease agreements.

• FY 2024-2025 Budget Schedule (Draft)
• Cell Tower Contracts
• Town Financial Advising
• Revised lease with Totoket TV and parking lease with North Branford Dental
• Financial Report dated 12-31-24

The Finance Sub-committee discussed several items but made no formal votes except approving the November 12, 2024 minutes. They agreed to move forward with a revised FY 2024-25 budget schedule (with an added April 22 session), a cell tower contract review, a vendor change for P-cards to US Bank, a revised lease with Totoket TV and a parking license with NB Dental, and a MUNIS support proposal. No final decisions were made on these items; they will be presented to the full Town Council.

• Approved minutes of November 12, 2024 meeting (all in favor)
• Agreed to revise budget schedule with April 22 added and April 1 hearing at 6:30 p.m. (discussion)
• Discussed cell tower contracts; no action taken
• Discussed financial advising; no action taken
• Discussed audit status; delayed due to MUNIS issues
• Discussed P-card vendor change to US Bank; to be passed to Council
• Discussed revised Totoket TV lease and NB Dental parking license; consensus to move forward
• Discussed MUNIS support proposal ($8,550); to be discussed at Council