Ashford meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Ashford school board approves staffing changes, calendar shift; selectmen to fill vacancies

The Ashford Board of Education made the week's most consequential decisions, approving staff appointments and resignations, a school calendar change, and holding school meal prices steady. Other boards met for procedural work or cancelled their sessions, while the Board of Selectmen has a special meeting scheduled for Aug. 24 to fill numerous vacancies.

Board of Education

At its Aug. 12 regular meeting, the board voted unanimously to:

• Accept the resignations of paraeducator Katie Jandreau and PE/Health teacher Tiffany Marrara.
• Appoint Samantha Mowry as PE/Health teacher and Angelina Shroyer as maintenance worker.
• Revise the 2026-27 school calendar to add Sept. 18 as an early dismissal day.
• Approve the 2026-27 medical standing orders.
• Approve no increase in school meal prices for the coming year.

The board also approved the minutes of its June 18 meeting as corrected, also unanimously. The FY 26 year-end financial statement was distributed but remains pending until the audit is completed.

Earlier that day, the board held a special work session for strategic planning, discussing administrator goals for 2026-27, programming for Ashford School, and board priorities for FY27. That session was for discussion only, with no votes.

Board of Finance

At its Aug. 13 meeting, the Board of Finance unanimously approved minutes from its June 11 and June 25 regular meetings. Chair Kayla Plagge reported progress on the 24-25 Annual Report, with 12 departments still outstanding, and the board discussed a possible dedication to Tax Collector Linda Gagnon. No substantive policy decisions were made.

Housing Authority

The Housing Authority met Aug. 11 with agenda items including approval of an Employee Handbook, a Rent Stratification Policy, and an amended FY 2027 budget, along with financial reports and updates on the Moderate Rehab Project. Minutes have not yet been published, so no decisions are reported.

Cancellations

Several meetings were cancelled in the past two weeks:

• Parks & Recreation Commission (Aug. 10)
• Planning & Zoning Commission (Aug. 10) – next regular meeting Sept. 14
• Zoning Board of Appeals (Aug. 12) – next regular meeting Sept. 9
• Agriculture Commission (Aug. 20)
• The regular Board of Selectmen meeting scheduled for Aug. 17 was cancelled; a special meeting was set for Aug. 24.

Coming up

• **Board of Selectmen (special meeting)** – Aug. 24, 2026. The board will review items for a public hearing/town meeting, discuss tax collection services, fill vacancies on numerous boards and commissions, consider tax refunds, and enter executive session on personnel and legal matters, including review of the Executive Assistant and Transfer Station Supervisor positions.
• **Conservation Commission** – Aug. 24, 2026. This meeting is cancelled due to insufficient notice.
• **Library Board of Trustees** – Aug. 25, 2026. The board will consider CIPA compliance approval (required for certain federal funding), shelving for the children's area, a laptop program, and a children's programming report.

Ashford roundup: Lake Chaffee drawdown declared non-regulated; several August meetings canceled

The Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission voted 4-2 to declare the annual Lake Chaffee drawdown a non-regulated activity, with conditions requiring advance notification and corrective action. The commission also unanimously accepted a septic system repair application for 28 Lake View Dr. In other business, the Our Town Our Future committee approved its July minutes and planned a booth at Family Day.

Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission

The commission approved the Lake Chaffee Improvement Association's request to treat the annual lake drawdown as a non-regulated activity. The motion passed 4-2 with one abstention, and included conditions requiring advance notification and corrective action based on commission feedback. Separately, the commission unanimously accepted septic system repair application IW-26-07 for 28 Lake View Dr. A discussion of Inland Wetlands and Watercourses regulation fees was deferred to a future meeting.

Our Town Our Future

The Our Town Our Future Core Committee met virtually Aug. 3 and approved minutes from July 6 and July 13, 2026, by a 3-0 vote. The committee committed to hosting a booth at Ashford Family Day and continued work on the Volunteer Recognition Program. It also noted that the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) was approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission. No substantive policy decisions were made.

Agenda-only meetings

Several boards met during the past two weeks, but minutes have not yet been published. The following items were on their agendas:

• **Board of Selectmen (Aug. 3):** Finalize items for an upcoming Public Hearing and Town Meeting, set a date for that meeting, consider board and commission appointments, and address tax refunds. An executive session on personnel was also scheduled.
• **Housing Authority (Aug. 11):** Vote on an Employee Handbook, a Rent Stratification Policy, and an amended FY 2027 budget. The board also planned to review June and July financial reports and the fourth-quarter financial statement, and receive an update on the Moderate Rehab Project.
• **Board of Education (Aug. 12, special meeting):** Consider staff resignations (Katie Jandreau, paraeducator; Tiffany Marrara, PE/Health teacher) and appointments (Samantha Mowry, PE/Health teacher; Angelina Shroyer, maintenance). Also on the agenda: a revision to the 2026-27 school calendar, approval of medical standing orders, and a review of 2026-2027 student meal prices.
• **Board of Education (Aug. 12, work session):** Discuss administrator goals and improvement plans for 2026-2027, review current and future programming for Ashford School, and set board priorities for fiscal year 2027. This was a planning session, not a voting meeting.
• **Board of Finance (Aug. 13):** Receive an update on the 24-25 Annual Report, approve minutes from June 11 and June 25, 2026, and take public comment.

Canceled meetings

Three meetings were canceled in August:

• Parks and Recreation Commission (Aug. 10)
• Planning and Zoning Commission (Aug. 10) – next regular meeting Sept. 14
• Zoning Board of Appeals (Aug. 12) – next regular meeting Sept. 9

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are listed for the next 14 days.

Ashford Library Board moves $100,000, reinstates Wednesday hours

The Ashford Library Board of Trustees voted last week to move $100,000 from its primary checking account into a new certificate of deposit and a secondary checking account, and denied a motion to return the money to taxpayers. The board also reinstated Wednesday morning hours at Babcock Library. In other recent action, the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission approved a non-regulated determination for the annual Lake Chaffee drawdown with conditions, and the Conservation Commission approved its May meeting minutes.

Library Board of Trustees

At its July 28 meeting, the board approved the minutes from May 26 by a 4-0-2 vote. Trustees then voted 5-1-0 to transfer $50,000 to a new certificate of deposit and $50,000 to checking account #2. A subsequent motion to return the $100,000 to Ashford taxpayers was denied 1-5-0.

The board unanimously approved declining a state laptop program and instead investigating the purchase of 10 library laptops. It also unanimously approved reinstating Wednesday morning hours from 9:00 a.m. to noon.

Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission

On August 4, the commission approved a request from the Lake Chaffee Improvement Association to declare the annual lake drawdown a non-regulated activity, with conditions requiring advance notification and corrective action based on commission feedback. The motion passed 4-2 with one abstention.

The commission also unanimously accepted a septic system repair application for 28 Lake View Dr. (application IW-26-07). A discussion of IWW regulation fees was deferred to a future meeting.

Conservation Commission

At its July 27 meeting, the Conservation Commission unanimously approved the minutes from May 18, 2026. Members discussed planning for the September 13 Family Day event and ongoing trail maintenance on Langhammer and Tremko trails.

Other recent meetings

The Board of Selectmen met August 3 on an agenda-only basis. The board discussed finalizing items for an upcoming Public Hearing and Town Meeting, setting a date for that meeting, board and commission appointments, tax refunds, and an executive session regarding personnel. No votes were reported.

Also on August 3, the Ashford Our Town Our Future Core Committee met to discuss strategic planning, the Plan of Conservation and Development, involvement in Ashford Family Day, and a volunteer recognition program. Minutes have not yet been published.

Coming up

• **Housing Authority** – August 11, 6:00 p.m. (regular monthly meeting). The board will vote on an Employee Handbook, a Rent Stratification Policy, and an amended FY 2027 budget. It will also review financial reports and hear updates on the Ashford Housing Development and Moderate Rehab Project.
• **Board of Education** – August 12, special meeting. The board will consider staff resignations (Katie Jandreau, paraeducator; Tiffany Marrara, PE/Health teacher) and appointments (Samantha Mowry, PE/Health teacher; Angelina Shroyer, maintenance), a revision to the 2026-27 school calendar, 2026-2027 student meal prices, and medical standing orders. Public comment is scheduled at the start and end.
• **Board of Education** – August 12, special work session (in-person). The board will discuss administrator goals and improvement plans for 2026-2027, current and future programming for Ashford School, and set board priorities for fiscal year 2027. This is a discussion and planning session, not a voting meeting.

Cancelled meetings: The Planning & Zoning Commission meeting scheduled for August 10 has been cancelled; the next regular meeting is September 14. The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting scheduled for August 12 has also been cancelled; the next regular meeting is September 9.

Ashford meeting roundup: Summer cancellations, library shelving on agenda, selectmen to set hearing date

Ashford's boards and commissions had a light late-July stretch, with two regular meetings cancelled and several others meeting on agenda items whose minutes have not yet been published. The most consequential action ahead comes Aug. 3, when the Board of Selectmen is scheduled to set a date for a Public Hearing and Town Meeting.

Recent meetings: cancellations and agenda-only sessions

The Board of Education's regular meeting scheduled for July 20, 2026, was cancelled. The Board of Finance's July 23, 2026, regular meeting was also cancelled; no decisions or discussions took place.

Several other bodies met in the past two weeks, but only agendas are available — minutes have not yet been published. That means items listed below were scheduled for discussion or possible action, but outcomes are not yet confirmed in the public record.

Economic Development Commission (July 21)

The commission's agenda included a summary of 2025-26 expenditures as of June 30, 2026, and draft priorities for fiscal year 2026-27: business outreach, support surveys, Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) activation, and tourism optimization. The agenda also listed correspondence regarding blighted properties and tourism updates, including a video posting and B-roll taping.

Conservation Commission (July 27)

Agenda items included an update on the Celebration of Ashford event, trail work in Langhammer and Tremko, and discussion of the Adopt a Road program. The agenda also called for approval of prior minutes and a chairperson's report.

Library Board of Trustees (July 28)

The Babcock Library Board of Trustees agenda listed possible action on new shelving for the children's area. The board was also scheduled to receive a treasurer's update on a certificate of deposit and a second checking account, hear a report from Library Specialist Chonte Fields on children's programming, and approve minutes from May 26, 2026.

Coming up

Aug. 3 — Board of Selectmen: The board is scheduled to finalize a list of items and set a date for an upcoming Public Hearing and Town Meeting. The agenda also includes board and commission appointments, tax refunds, and an executive session regarding personnel.

Aug. 3 — Our Town-Our Future Core Committee: Discussion of Ashford Family Day involvement, review of the Ashford Volunteer Recognition Program, strategic planning for potential future projects, and a POCD update.

Aug. 4 — Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission: The commission will consider a non-regulated activity determination for a Lake Chaffee drawdown requested by the Lake Chaffee Improvement Association. The agenda also includes a septic repair application for 73 Lake View Dr (IW-26-07), discussion of IWW regulation fees, and notification of a pond treatment for water chestnut at Camp Conri, 28 Happy Hill Ln.

Note: For all July meetings listed above, only agendas were available at the time of this report. Residents seeking confirmed outcomes should check the town's official meeting minutes once published.

Ashford Selectmen Approve $2.4M Housing Grant Application and Right-to-Farm Ordinance

The Ashford Board of Selectmen unanimously authorized filing a $2.4 million Small Cities CDBG application for the Pompey Hollow Senior Housing renovation on July 6, 2026, and approved moving forward with a Right-to-Farm ordinance. The board also appointed Jessica Bates to the Inland Wetlands Commission.

Board of Selectmen

At its July 6 meeting, the board approved filing the $2.4M Small Cities CDBG application for Pompey Hollow Senior Housing renovation (unanimous) and approved moving forward with a Right-to-Farm ordinance (unanimous). Jessica Bates was appointed to the Inland Wetlands Commission (unanimous). The board entered executive session to discuss pending legal issues (unanimous) and accepted minutes of Special Meetings held June 24 and 26 (passed with abstentions). The board tabled a review of Tax Collection Services pending Town Counsel review, tabled Tax Refunds (none), and tabled items for the next Public Hearing/Town Meeting discussion.

A special meeting was scheduled for July 15, with an agenda including a briefing from the First Selectman and an executive session regarding pending legal matters. Minutes from that meeting have not yet been published.

Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission

On July 7, the commission approved the minutes from its June 2, 2026, regular meeting (passed with one abstention). Members discussed draft DPW protocols, Lake Chaffee draw down procedures, and potential registration fee changes, but no formal votes were taken on those items.

Planning & Zoning Commission

The commission's July 13 agenda included a public hearing on PZ-26-4, a modification of special permit for an 8,000-square-foot multi-purpose building owned by Our Companions. Also on the agenda were commission-initiated updates and corrections to the town-wide zoning map (decision possible), review of draft zoning amendments required by SSA 25-1, an informal discussion on possible use of Lot 47-A-4 Kennerson Reservoir Rd, and a zoning officer report on re-use of an existing barn at 78 Ference Rd. Minutes have not yet been published.

Ashford Our Town Our Future

At its July 6 meeting, the committee approved June 1, 2026, meeting minutes (3-0-2). Members assigned Galvin to meet with the Editor regarding Volunteer Recognition Program options and tasked Gantick with scheduling a meeting with the First Selectwoman regarding Strategic Planning.

On July 13, the Core Committee discussed strategic planning, a potential Family Day, and the volunteer recognition program. No formal approvals or votes were recorded. The meeting was adjourned following a motion by Hanink, seconded by Galvin.

Parks & Recreation Commission

The commission approved its June meeting minutes unanimously on July 13. The financial report showed a balance of $13,585.65 in the Recreational Activities Account as of June 30, 2026. Program updates were given on yoga, pickleball, 3v3 tournaments, and summer camps. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

Cancelled Meetings

The Zoning Board of Appeals regular meeting scheduled for July 8 was cancelled. The next regular meeting is scheduled for August 12, 2026. The Board of Finance regular meeting scheduled for July 9 was cancelled. The Ashford Board of Education meeting scheduled for July 16 was cancelled.

Coming Up

No upcoming meetings are listed for the next 14 days.

Ashford Board of Selectmen Approves $2.4M Housing Grant Application and Right-to-Farm Ordinance

The Ashford Board of Selectmen unanimously approved filing a $2.4 million Small Cities CDBG application for the Pompey Hollow Senior Housing renovation and voted to move forward with a Right-to-Farm ordinance at its July 6 meeting.

Board of Selectmen

The board voted unanimously to file the $2.4M Small Cities Community Development Block Grant application for the Pompey Hollow Senior Housing renovation project. The board also voted unanimously to move forward with a Right-to-Farm ordinance.

Jessica Bates was appointed to the Inland Wetlands Commission by a unanimous vote. The board entered executive session to discuss pending legal issues, also by unanimous vote.

Minutes of the Special Meetings held June 24 and June 26 were accepted, passing with abstentions. The board tabled a review of Tax Collection Services pending Town Counsel review, tabled Tax Refunds (none), and tabled items for the next Public Hearing/Town Meeting discussion.

Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission

On July 7, the Commission approved the minutes of its June 2, 2026 regular meeting, passing with one abstention. Members discussed draft DPW protocols, Lake Chaffee draw down procedures, and potential registration fee changes, but no formal votes were taken on those items.

Ashford Our Town Our Future

The planning committee met July 6 to discuss a volunteer recognition program, potential future projects and strategic planning, an update on the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD), project updates, and new member recruitment. The meeting was procedural, with no specific actionable items or financial details. Minutes have not yet been published.

Meetings Cancelled

The Zoning Board of Appeals regular meeting scheduled for July 8 was cancelled. No agenda items were considered. The next regular meeting is scheduled for August 12, 2026.

The Board of Finance regular meeting scheduled for July 9 was also cancelled.

Coming Up

Planning & Zoning Commission — July 13: A public hearing is scheduled on PZ-26-4, a modification of special permit for an 8,000-square-foot multi-purpose building owned by Our Companions. The commission may also decide on town-wide zoning map updates and corrections, review draft zoning amendments required by SSA 25-1, and discuss the final layout of the 2026-2036 POCD. Additional items include an informal discussion on possible use of Lot 47-A-4 Kennerson Reservoir Rd and a zoning officer report on re-use of an existing barn at 78 Ference Rd.

Board of Education — July 16: The scheduled regular meeting has been cancelled.

Ashford Selectmen Approve FEMA Grant Resolution; CDBG Vote for Senior Housing Set for July 6

The Ashford Board of Selectmen unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the Town to apply for FEMA and Homeland Security grants at its June 26 meeting, the most consequential decision among recent town government actions. The resolution also authorizes the First Selectman to execute necessary documents related to those applications.

Board of Selectmen

On June 26, the Selectmen voted unanimously to approve the authorizing resolution for FEMA, Homeland Security, and other emergency services grants. Two days earlier, on June 24, the board met to discuss a solar photovoltaic system installation at Ashford School, with the agenda listing review and potential approval of a Letter of Intent with the Connecticut Green Bank. Minutes from that meeting have not yet been published, so no official action can be confirmed.

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance unanimously approved the May 7, 2026 regular meeting minutes, with two abstentions, at its June 25 meeting. The June 11, 2026 minutes were tabled because insufficient members were present for a quorum. Members also discussed the annual report process and agreed to request department submissions with a September deadline. The board agreed to create a reference document covering fund sources, restrictions, and spending authority.

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission discussed using NIPS fund money to create an "Adopt a Road" cleanup program at its June 22 meeting. The proposed program would require a future proposal to the First Selectwoman. Members also reviewed the Healthy Watershed event, upcoming invasive plant workshops, and pending bridge repairs on the Langhammer trail. Approval of the May 18, 2026 minutes was held until the July 27, 2026 meeting.

Economic Development Commission

The EDC met June 23 to review its budget expenditure report, finalize a videographer contract for local tourism promotion, and discuss funding for summer concerts. Members also addressed a letter on blighted properties sent to the Board of Selectmen, discussed website status and recruiting new commission members, and evaluated Northeastern CT Chamber membership and a TLGV relocation meeting. Minutes have not yet been published, so no official actions are confirmed. A separate EDC agenda listed 2026-27 strategic priorities including recruiting full membership, surveying active businesses, and optimizing tourism assets.

Library Board of Trustees

The Library Board of Trustees did not convene an official meeting on June 23 because a quorum was not present. Members held an informal discussion about library updates and a shelving proposal for the children's area. No votes were taken and no official actions were decided.

Coming Up

• **July 6 — Board of Selectmen:** Will review and potentially act on a Right-to-Farm Ordinance, a resolution to apply for a Small Cities Community Development Block Grant for the Pompey Hollow Senior Housing Renovation Project, tax collection services, an appointment to the Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission, and tax refunds.
• **July 6 — Ashford Our Town Our Future:** Committee will discuss a volunteer recognition program, strategic planning, a POCD update, project updates, and new member recruitment.
• **July 16 — Board of Education:** The scheduled regular meeting has been cancelled.

Ashford Selectmen Unanimously Authorize FEMA and Homeland Security Grant Applications

The Ashford Board of Selectmen voted unanimously on June 26 to approve a resolution allowing the town to apply for grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Department of Homeland Security, and other emergency-services programs. The resolution authorizes the First Selectwoman to execute all documents required for the applications.

Board of Finance

At its June 25 meeting, the Board of Finance unanimously approved the minutes of the May 7 regular meeting, with two members abstaining. The minutes from June 11 were tabled because a quorum of members was not present. The board also discussed the annual report process and agreed to request department submissions with a September deadline. In addition, members agreed to create a reference document that outlines fund sources, restrictions, and spending authority.

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission met on June 22 and discussed using money from the NIPS fund to create an “Adopt a Road” cleanup program. Any formal proposal will be brought to the First Selectwoman at a future date. The panel also reviewed updates on a Healthy Watershed event, upcoming invasive-plant workshops, and pending bridge repairs on the Langhammer trail. Approval of the May 18 minutes was held until the July 27 meeting.

Library Board of Trustees

The Library Board of Trustees did not hold an official meeting on June 23 because a quorum was not present. Members gathered informally to discuss library updates and a shelving proposal for the children’s area, but no votes were taken.

Economic Development Commission

The Economic Development Commission provided an agenda-only meeting on June 23. Items listed included finalizing a videographer contract for tourism promotion, reviewing the budget expenditure report and support for summer concerts, addressing a letter on blighted properties sent to the Board of Selectmen, and evaluating chamber membership. Official minutes for that meeting have not yet been published, and no votes are available.

Coming up

The Board of Selectmen meets again on July 6. The agenda includes a review and possible action on a Right-to-Farm Ordinance, a resolution to apply for a Small Cities Community Development Block Grant for the Pompey Hollow Senior Housing Renovation Project, and discussion of tax collection services. The board will also consider an appointment to the Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission and tax refunds. The Ashford Our Town Our Future committee meets the same evening to discuss a volunteer recognition program, the Plan of Conservation and Development, and strategic planning. The July 16 Board of Education regular meeting has been cancelled.