Bristol meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Bristol roundup: Ordinance fee increase advances, encampment cleanup approved

Bristol's Ordinance Committee voted to send a proposed increase in the general ordinance violation fee from $90 to $120 to the City Council for adoption, the most consequential decision from the past two weeks. The committee also referred flood damage prevention rules to the council for a public hearing. In other action, the Code Enforcement Committee approved spending code enforcement funds to clean a homeless encampment, and the Building Code Board of Appeals upheld a condemnation order for a Broad Street building.

Ordinance Committee

At its Aug. 4 meeting, the Ordinance Committee voted unanimously to refer the fee increase to the City Council. It also referred a motion to introduce and set a public hearing on flood damage prevention (Appendix D). No action was taken on vape retailer ordinance updates, which remain under discussion. The committee approved minutes from July 7 and adjourned at 5:12 p.m.

Code Enforcement Committee

The committee on Aug. 5 approved using code enforcement funds to hire a third-party vendor to clean a homeless encampment at the School St/Board of Ed parking lot. It removed 21 Addison St from the PMC list, and 107 Gridley Street and 1004 Jerome Ave from the Clean & Lien list after compliance. The committee added 580 Broad St to the agenda for URAA relocation issues, referred a farm complaint at 458 Allentown Rd to Corporation Counsel and the September agenda, and discussed a culvert repair at 211 Park St, with the city to facilitate owner discussions. All votes were unanimous.

Real Estate Committee

On Aug. 3, the committee approved sending Lots 6, 7, and 8 on Witches Rock Road out for Request for Proposals (RFP) and approved a new RFP for 81 Church Avenue (Fire Co #3) at $300,000. It rejected a $175,000 offer for 81 Church Avenue and referred 164 Union Street Lot 4 to city departments to determine potential use. All votes were unanimous.

Building Code of Appeals

The board voted 3-0 on Aug. 13 to uphold a Condemnation Order for the commercially zoned building at 580 Broad Street, following testimony that tenants were residing there. The board heard from the chief building official, health district staff, the appellant, and tenants before deciding.

Board of Health

The Bristol-Burlington Health District Board of Health approved routine items on Aug. 13, including minutes, bills, and monthly reports. It appointed members to Personnel, Finance, and Dental Committees, tabled a legal fees question and a new engagement of Shipman & Goodwin until September, ended its engagement with Mangines & Burke, directed FordHarrison to present a memorandum of understanding to the City of Bristol, and closed a Thomaston Savings Bank account. All votes were unanimous.

Parking Authority

The Parking Authority on Aug. 3 heard a presentation from Laz Parking about QR-code-based payment options but took no action. It granted a parking ticket appeal for Tim Thompson (ticket #105503) and denied one for Charisma Tanguay (ticket #105998), both unanimously. The board approved June 6 minutes and adjourned at 7:20 p.m.

Other meetings

The Conservation Commission/Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency meeting scheduled for Aug. 3 was canceled; the next meeting is Sept. 2. The Economic and Community Development Board met Aug. 6 to discuss industrial and downtown updates and fiscal year end carryovers, but no decisions were listed. The Zoning Commission held public hearings Aug. 10 on four earth-removal applications at Grassy Rd., and received new applications for a zone change at 101 Terryville Avenue and a site lighting revision at 14 Allentown Road; no votes were recorded. The Aquifer Protection Agency met Aug. 10 to consider regulatory status for three take-out restaurants at 838 Farmington Ave. The Salary Committee met Aug. 12 to consider a part-time Arts & Culture Coordinator position. The Youth Commission met Aug. 12 to review summer programs and financials. The Retirement Board met Aug. 13 to review investments with Beirne Wealth Consulting.

Coming up

• **Board of Fire Commissioners** – Aug. 17, special meeting to consider a candidate for Fire Apparatus Mechanic.
• **Animal Control Building Committee** – Aug. 18, to review cost estimate and possibly issue an RFP for a design-build firm.
• **Board of Sewer Commissioners** – Aug. 18, to revise payment policy and final invoice procedures.
• **Board of Police Commissioners** – Aug. 18, to discuss LPR portal, traffic cameras, and a complaint against the chief and deputy chief.
• **Board of Water Commissioners** – Aug. 18, to revise payment policy and final invoice procedures.
• **Citation Hearings** – Aug. 20, 3 p.m., City Hall Room 1-1, on 14 code enforcement citations.
• **Board of Public Works** – Aug. 20 meeting canceled.
• **Animal Control Building Committee** – Aug. 20 meeting canceled by chairperson Lindsey Rivers.

Bristol committee rejects $175K offer for Church Avenue, advances property sales

The Bristol Real Estate Committee took decisive action on Aug. 3, rejecting a $175,000 offer for 81 Church Avenue and approving a new request for proposals (RFP) for the property at $300,000. The committee also approved sending three lots on Witches Rock Road out for RFP and referred a Union Street lot to city departments for potential use. All votes were unanimous.

Real Estate Committee

The committee approved sending Lots 6, 7, and 8 on Witches Rock Road out for RFP, with no minimum price listed. It rejected the $175,000 offer for 81 Church Avenue (Fire Co. #3) and approved a new RFP for that property at $300,000. Members also unanimously approved referring 164 Union Street Lot 4 to city departments to determine if the city has a use for the land. Minutes from the July 6 public hearing and regular meeting were approved unanimously.

Other recent meetings

Several boards met during the past two weeks, though most agendas were published without minutes yet.

• **Planning Commission (July 27):** Agenda included two mixed-use projects on North Main Street and Riverside Avenue, each adding eight dwelling units, plus a three-lot subdivision on Chestnut Street, three proposed take-out restaurants on Farmington Avenue, and earth removal permits on Grassy Road. Minutes not yet published.
• **Board of Finance (July 28):** Agenda included an additional appropriation of $328,029 for the Early Childhood Collaborative, transfers within road improvement and Community Development Block Grant funds, and bid waiver requests for Public Works and the City Clerk. Minutes not yet published.
• **Board of Health Dental Committee (July 30):** Met but took no formal votes. Discussion covered hygienist scheduling, school access, Medicaid billing, and oral health education.
• **Parking Authority (Aug. 3):** Agenda included a parking app presentation, ticket appeals, and monthly reports. Minutes not yet published.
• **Ordinance Committee (Aug. 4):** Agenda included updates on vape retailers and a new vape retailer ordinance, a report on blight and ordinance violation fee increases, and a motion to set a public hearing on flood damage prevention. Minutes not yet published.
• **Arts & Culture Commission (Aug. 5):** Agenda included approval of the 2026-2027 budget, traffic box artwork installations, a mural proposal, and a Mum Festival application. Minutes not yet published.
• **Code Enforcement Committee (Aug. 5):** Agenda included review of property violations at 267 Main St., deteriorating exteriors at 45 and 59 North Main St., and Clean & Lien/Fix & Lien actions for several properties. Minutes not yet published.
• **Economic and Community Development Board (Aug. 6):** Agenda included industrial and downtown updates and a fiscal year end carryover policy discussion. Minutes not yet published.

Two meetings were canceled: the Diversity Council (July 28) due to lack of quorum, and the Conservation Commission (Aug. 3) rescheduled to Sept. 2.

Coming up

• **Zoning Commission (Aug. 10):** Public hearings on four earth-removal applications on Grassy Road, plus a zone change request at 101 Terryville Avenue and a site lighting revision at 14 Allentown Road.
• **Joint City Council / Board of Finance (Aug. 12):** Consent agenda includes fund transfers, a land purchase closeout, and a parking garage project adjustment. Individual items include a $137,560 road improvement transfer and a $180,000 transfer for Matthews St RR Crossing.
• **City Council (Aug. 12):** Will vote on a $4.25 million grant application to CT DEEP for outdoor recreation (with a $2.125 million city match), a $1,673,371 demolition contract for Edgewood Pre-K Academy, and property sales for 81 Church Avenue and Witches Rock Road.
• **Salary Committee (Aug. 12):** Special meeting to consider a part-time Arts & Culture Coordinator position.
• **Building Code of Appeals (Aug. 13):** Hearing on a demolition order for 580 Broad Street.
• **Board of Health (Aug. 13):** Discussion of the School Base Program, committee appointments, and a memorandum of understanding with the City of Bristol.

Bristol Police Board Seeks Legal Opinion on Speed Cameras, Approves Vest Grant and New Officer Hire

The Bristol Board of Police Commissioners voted unanimously July 21 to request a legal opinion from Corporation Counsel on whether speed cameras are covered under the current ordinance or whether ordinance changes are needed. The board also approved a bulletproof vest grant and offered conditional employment to a new police officer, all on unanimous votes.

Police Board Actions

The Board of Police Commissioners took several unanimous votes at its July 21 meeting:

• Requested a Corporation Counsel opinion on speed camera ordinance language.
• Approved the FY25 bulletproof vest grant appropriation request.
• Offered conditional employment to Tyler Boi for a police officer position.
• Approved an alarm appeal request for Advanced Auto Parts.
• Approved June 16, 2026 meeting minutes.
• Approved monthly reports and placed them on file.
• Placed a Citizens Academy thank-you letter on file.

The same evening, the Police Commission Traffic Sub-committee approved April 21, 2026 meeting minutes unanimously. Chief Morello gave a staffing update on the Traffic Division, and the committee discussed posting FLOCK camera information on the department website.

Planning Commission to Review Downtown Housing Proposals

The Planning Commission's July 27 agenda includes public hearings on two mixed-use projects that would each add eight dwelling units to downtown Bristol:

• 10 North Main Street: existing commercial use (Oak Hill School) plus 8 new second-floor dwelling units totaling 5,002 sq. ft. in the BD zone.
• 4 Riverside Avenue: existing bank with drive-thru plus 8 new second-floor dwelling units totaling 5,012 sq. ft. in the BD zone.

The commission will also review subdivision application #453 for three lots at 107 Chestnut Street in the RM-5 zone, a site plan for three take-out restaurants at 838 Farmington Avenue in the BG zone, and a public hearing for a take-out restaurant at 735 Farmington Avenue in the BG zone. Minutes for this meeting have not yet been published.

Board of Finance Considers Appropriations and Bid Waivers

The Board of Finance's July 28 agenda includes several financial items:

• Additional appropriation of $328,029 for the Early Childhood Collaborative.
• Transfer of $180,000 within the Road Improvement Fund, with a bid waiver request for A.J. Belliveau Railroad Contracting.
• Transfer of $51,000 within the Community Development Block Grant Fund.
• Transfer of $137,560 within the Road Improvements Fund.
• Bid waiver requests for Eurofins Drinking Water and Wastewater Central, LLC and IQS.

On July 30, the Board of Finance Insurance Committee met to discuss the city's self-insured workers' compensation program with FutureComp and the city's health insurance with Lockton Companies. Minutes for both meetings are not yet published.

Fire Board Swears In Recruits

The Board of Fire Commissioners' July 23 agenda included swearing in Recruit Firefighters Joshua Greco and Christopher Drouin, employee recognition, public participation, and approval of June 25, 2026 meeting minutes and June monthly reports. Minutes are not yet published.

Utility Boards Review Reports and Correspondence

The Sewer Commissioners and Board of Water Commissioners each had July 21 agendas to approve May 19, 2026 meeting minutes and department reports for May and June 2026. The Sewer Commissioners listed customer correspondence from 34 Pinehurst Road, 369 Park Street, 412 Shrub Road, and 85 Mossa Drive. The Water Commissioners listed correspondence from 34 Pinehurst Road and 12 Riverside Avenue. Minutes for both are not yet published.

Meetings Cancelled

Three meetings were cancelled in the past two weeks: the Historic District Commission (July 22, next meeting August 26), the Fair Rent Commission (July 22, announced by Chairperson Anthony Lozier), and the Diversity Council (July 28, due to lack of a quorum). The Board of Health Dental Committee met July 30 to discuss Bristol-Burlington Health District school dental services, with no votes scheduled.

Coming Up

• **Aug. 3 — Real Estate Committee:** Review of a lease with Bristol-Burlington Health District for BEALS Senior Community Center, possible encroachments at 64 Kilmartin and 93 Tuttle Road, and status of 135 East Main Street.
• **Aug. 3 — Parking Authority:** Parking app presentation, ticket appeals, and monthly reports.
• **Aug. 4 — Ordinance Committee:** Updates on vape retailer ordinances and a report from a public hearing on blight and general ordinance violation fee increases.
• **Aug. 5 — Code Enforcement Committee:** Review of property violations at 267 Main St, 45 and 59 North Main St, and Clean & Lien/Fix & Lien actions at multiple properties.
• **Aug. 5 — City Arts & Culture Commission:** Vote on 2026-2027 budget, traffic box artwork installations, and an Urban Garden mural proposal.
• **Aug. 13 — Building Code Board of Appeals:** Appeal hearing for a July 17, 2026 demolition order at 580 Broad Street.

Bristol Board of Health approves union contract through 2028; Real Estate Committee advances Church Avenue easement

The Bristol Board of Health approved a union contract running through June 30, 2028, accepted a $78,996 interest income correction from the City of Bristol, and authorized up to $100,000 for office furniture design during its July 9 meeting — the most consequential decisions made across a busy two weeks of city business.

Board of Health

The Board of Health approved the Local 1303-114 union contract through June 30, 2028, and accepted a $78,996 interest income correction from the City of Bristol. The board also approved engagement with the Collier firm for design and furniture up to $100,000, a $14,817.16 renovation change order for sheetrock, and $8,571.63 for 10-month employees' Juneteenth holiday pay. Doug Thompson was appointed to the finance committee. The board approved a FordHarrison invoice for $3,071.93, June 2026 bills, monthly reports, and June 11, 2026 meeting minutes.

Real Estate Committee

The Real Estate Committee accepted an Eversource easement for 81 Church Avenue and sent it to City Council for approval. Members referred Lots 6, 7, and 8 on Witches Rock Road for an 8-24 review, and separately referred Lot 88 for an 8-24. Action on Lot #2 Witches Rock Road was deferred until the next meeting. The committee approved June 1, 2026 meeting minutes.

A separate public hearing was scheduled regarding the sale of Centre Square North Main Street property, identified as Parcel 30-3. Minutes from that hearing have not yet been published.

Library Board of Directors

The Library Board approved an additional appropriation of $5,441.00 in Connecticard funds from the State Library for books. The board established a Centennial Ad-hoc Committee to oversee the Centennial Fund and related activities, and approved minutes of the May 4, 2026 regular meeting.

Conservation Commission / Inland Wetlands

The Conservation Commission, acting as the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency, had an agenda listing a floodplain application (#26-466F-317) for an addition at 15 Hardwick Road, a request to extend wetlands application #1908 for five years for an office, garage, bulk oil and propane facility at 351 Minor Street, and continued discussion of remediation work associated with Disc Golf Hole #16 at Page Park. Minutes have not yet been published.

Joint City Council and Board of Finance

A joint meeting on July 14 included proposed appropriations of $2,708,859 to the Special Education Grant Fund, $411,575 to the Special Grants and Donations Fund for the DRIP grant, $5,441 within the Special Grants and Donations Fund, $475 for the Early Childhood Collaborative, and a $1,139,545 transfer within the Equipment Building Sinking Fund. Minutes have not yet been published, so these items were proposed, not confirmed as decided.

City Council

The City Council agenda for July 14 listed a proposed 3% salary increase for non-bargaining positions effective July 1, 2026, an $87,310 contract amendment for BL Companies engineering services, a $42,495 amendment for Beals Community Center renovations with Orlando Annulli & Sons, Inc., a request to reduce maximum gross floor area for data centers in Industrial districts, and a contract award to Greenskies Clean Energy LLC for Bristol Central and Eastern High Schools. Minutes have not yet been published.

Other Meetings

The Zoning Board of Appeals had an agenda to consider postponing the public hearing for Appeal #3832 — an appeal of the zoning enforcement officer's decision on an interior fit-out at 325 Oakland Street, owned by OSJ of Bristol, LLC — by 60 days to September 1, 2026. The Ordinance Committee agenda included a blight violation fee increase request, a proposed rooster ordinance (Sec. 4-8), FEMA-suggested flood damage prevention changes, and vape retailer ordinance revisions regarding background checks. The Zoning Commission agenda listed a change of zone from BG to I at 398 and 406 Broad Street, a text amendment to add "Bus Yard" as a Site Plan Application use in the IP-5 zone, and a request to extend site plan approval for fuel storage at 351 Minor Street. None of these meetings have published minutes yet.

A Household and Business Flood Action meeting on July 13 covered flood conditions, safety, and FEMA disaster assistance. No votes, approvals, or formal actions were recorded.

Coming Up

• **July 21** — Board of Police Commissioners will interview one lateral police officer candidate in executive session and receive updates on a vape shop ordinance and a red light traffic camera RFP. Sewer Commissioners and Board of Water Commissioners will each approve May 19 minutes and May/June department reports.
• **July 23** — Board of Fire Commissioners will swear in recruit firefighters Joshua Greco and Christopher Drouin.
• **July 22** — Historic District Commission and Fair Rent Commission meetings are both cancelled. Fair Rent cancellation was announced by Chairperson Anthony Lozier.
• **July 28** — Diversity Council meeting cancelled due to lack of a quorum.
• **July 30** — District Board of Health Dental Committee will discuss Bristol-Burlington Health District School Dental Services. No votes are scheduled.

Bristol roundup: Council OKs solar revenue deal, lead cleanup ordered, Board of Health approves union contract

The Bristol City Council authorized a solar energy partnership expected to generate about $23,000 per year for 20 years, while the Code Enforcement Committee ordered hazardous lead debris cleanup at a Jerome Avenue property. The Board of Health approved a union contract running through 2028 and several spending items.

Solar partnership and lighting audits

On June 30, the City Council authorized the Mayor to execute a Letter of Intent with Greenskies Clean Energy LLC for a non-residential renewable energy solutions revenue sharing agreement. The deal is expected to bring in approximately $23,000 annually over 20 years. The council also authorized RLE to conduct no-cost site audits for Phase 2 measures on the school lighting project, which could generate an Eversource incentive bonus in excess of $500,000. No public comments were made.

Code enforcement actions

On July 1, the Code Enforcement Committee voted unanimously to hire an independent company to remove hazardous materials and test soil at 1004 Jerome Ave after the property owner failed to respond. The committee also voted unanimously to remove 550 Broad Street and 575 Broad Street from the Long Term Watch List. Members approved unanimously sending a timeline letter for 9 Divinity Street, with a Clean & Lien if compliance is not met. The committee discussed multiple other properties with ongoing code violations involving lead paint, sewage, and blight.

Board of Health approves contract and spending

On July 9, the Board of Health approved the Local 1303-114 union contract through June 30, 2028. The board accepted a $78,996 interest income correction from the City of Bristol and approved $8,571.63 for 10-month employees' Juneteenth holiday pay. Members authorized engagement with the Collier firm for design and furniture up to $100,000 and approved a $14,817.16 renovation change order for sheetrock. The board approved a FordHarrison invoice for $3,071.93 and appointed Doug Thompson to the finance committee.

Real estate and easements

On July 6, the Real Estate Committee accepted an Eversource easement for 81 Church Avenue for City Council approval. The committee referred Lots 6, 7, and 8 on Witches Rock Road for an 8-24 review and referred Lot 88 for an 8-24. Action on Lot #2 Witches Rock Road was deferred until the next meeting.

Library Board and other actions

On July 6, the Library Board of Directors approved an additional appropriation of $5,441.00 in Connecticard funds from the State Library for books. The board established a Centennial Ad-hoc Committee to oversee the Centennial Fund and related activities.

Coming up

• **July 13 — Cemetery Commission:** Discussion of the 2026 budget, grants for the Civil War Monument in West Cemetery, and QR codes for gravestones at North Cemetery.
• **July 13 — Zoning Commission:** Consideration of a zone change from BG to I at 398 and 406 Broad Street, a text amendment to allow bus yards in the IP-5 zone, and a request to extend site plan approval for fuel storage at 351 Minor Street.
• **July 13 — Public Works:** Discussion of flood control, flood safety, and federal assistance programs.
• **July 14 — Joint City Council and Board of Finance:** Proposed appropriations including $2,708,859 to the Special Education Grant Fund and $411,575 to the Special Grants and Donations Fund for the DRIP grant.
• **July 14 — City Council:** Review of an $87,310 contract amendment for BL Companies engineering services, a proposed 3% salary increase for non-bargaining positions effective July 1, 2026, and a contract award to Greenskies Clean Energy LLC for Bristol Central and Eastern High Schools.
• **July 16 — Board of Public Works:** Discussion of solid waste holiday operations, transfer station policies, and a bid waiver for MS4 Stormwater Testing.

Bristol Council Approves Solar Partnership; Finance Board Reviews $3.1M School Funding

Bristol's City Council authorized a solar partnership expected to generate about $23,000 in annual revenue for 20 years and approved no-cost site audits for a school lighting project that could yield a bonus in excess of $500,000 from Eversource. The actions were taken at the June 30 meeting, according to official minutes. No public comments were made.

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance met on June 23 to consider a $3.1 million school funding package and a lease purchase agreement for Public Works equipment. The agenda included additional appropriations of $2,708,859 for the Board of Education's Special Education Grant Fund and $411,575 for its Special Grants and Donations Fund. Also on the agenda was a resolution authorizing a lease purchase agreement for Public Works equipment and a corresponding $160,000 transfer from the General Fund Contingency to the Capital Projects Fund. A separate Purchasing Committee meeting the same day was scheduled to review Section 2.B of the Purchasing Manual regarding Cooperative Purchasing. Minutes for these meetings have not yet been published.

Planning and Zoning

The Planning Commission on June 22 was scheduled to review site plans for a take-out restaurant at 735 Farmington Avenue and two mixed-use developments, each with 8 dwelling units, at 10 North Main Street and 4 Riverside Avenue. The agenda also included a five-year extension request for Phase 2 of 505-545 Redstone Hill Road and a revision to a site plan for office space conversion at 383 Middle Street. Minutes have not yet been published.

The Historic District Commission on June 24 was scheduled to consider an application from Daniel Morocho for a Certificate of Appropriateness at 5 Oakland Street. The application involves installing three divided-light windows, cedar clapboard siding, and two 9' ft. x 7' ft. carriage-style garage doors. Minutes have not yet been published.

Public Safety and Code Enforcement

The Board of Fire Commissioners on June 25 was scheduled to vote on four promotions: Captain Nicholas Cutler to Deputy Chief, Barnosky to Captain, and Marek and Stone to Lieutenant. The agenda also included a retirement request from Firefighter Scott Poulton, a request to over-hire for an anticipated line vacancy, and a charter revision discussion. Minutes have not yet been published.

The Code Enforcement Committee on July 1 was scheduled to review enforcement actions on multiple properties, including 267 Main St, 111 Stewart St, and 45, 59, 81 North Main St. Clean & lien actions for 252 Terryville Rd, 138 West St, and 107 Gridley St were also on the agenda. Minutes have not yet been published.

Other Boards and Commissions

The Storm Water Control Trust on June 23 was scheduled to authorize the City Comptroller as the designated signer on the trust account. Minutes have not yet been published.

The Diversity Council on June 23 was scheduled to plan the Back to School Community Backpack Event at Hubbell School and brainstorm ideas for Unity in the Community. Minutes have not yet been published.

The Fair Rent Commission on June 24 was scheduled to vote on a chairperson and hold a Fair Rent Workshop. Minutes have not yet been published.

The City Arts & Culture Commission on July 1 was scheduled to endorse a part-time coordinator position and discuss FY 2026-2027 budget recommendations. Minutes have not yet been published.

The Economic and Community Development Board on July 2 was scheduled to receive updates on industrial development, downtown initiatives, facade projects, and the State Urban Jobs Program. Minutes have not yet been published.

Coming up

• July 6: Real Estate Committee public hearing on the sale of Parcel 30-3 at Centre Square North Main Street, and review of the RFP for 81 Church Avenue.
• July 6: Conservation Commission to consider extending a wetlands permit for a commercial facility at 351 Minor Street.
• July 7: Ordinance Committee to discuss blight violation fee increases and vape retailer background check rules.
• July 9: Board of Finance subcommittee to discuss the June 30 audit with CLA.
• July 9: Board of Health to vote on a union contract and a $14,817.16 change order for renovation sheetrock.
• July 16: Citation Hearings for code enforcement appeals at various locations.