Cromwell meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Cromwell boards cancel meetings; Town Council agenda includes land purchase, easements

No major decisions were made by Cromwell boards in the past week, as several regular meetings were canceled. The Town Council's August 12 agenda included a potential land purchase and four easements, but minutes have not yet been published.

Meeting cancellations

Four meetings were canceled in the past week:

• **Planning & Zoning Commission** (August 4) – canceled by order of the Chair. No decisions were made.
• **Library Commission** (August 10) – canceled; the next meeting is scheduled for September 14.
• **Conservation Commission** (August 13) – regular meeting canceled by order of the chair. No decisions were made.
• **Economic Development Commission** (August 19) – canceled by order of the Chair, Stuart B. Popper, AICP. (This is an upcoming cancellation, noted here for completeness.)

Agenda items from recent meetings

Several boards met with substantive agendas, though minutes are not yet available:

• **Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency** (August 5) – considered Application #26-06 for 5 Berlin Road, involving clearing, regrading, filling, and construction of a parking area, building, retaining wall, drainage system, and compensatory flood storage mitigation in the Upland Review Area. The applicant is Rodnella Realty, LLC, with Rodney Bitgood as Managing Member; the owner is 5 Berlin Cromwell, LLC.
• **Zoning Board of Appeals** (August 11) – held a public hearing on Application #26-03, a variance request from Scott Donofrio to reduce the minimum front yard setback for a covered porch at 6 Ridge Road (R-25 zone). The board also discussed commissioner training requirements and approved minutes from prior meetings.
• **Conservation Commission** (August 13) – special meeting with updates on the Pollinator Garden and a report from the Farmland Preservation Committee. The commission also reviewed communications about state climate resilience grants (a DEEP press release noting over $5 million in grants) and open space conservation efforts, including the Land & Easement Acquisition Program (LEAP).
• **Town Council** (August 12) – agenda included the purchase of 5 Community Field Road (discussed in executive session) and four easements: 10 Summer Brook Lane ($11,269.30), 70 Shunpike Road ($31,322.60), 88 Shunpike Road ($7,871.60), and 162 West Street ($17,854.30). The council also considered changes to the zoning ordinance (Chapter 236) to be forwarded to a public hearing.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are scheduled for the next two weeks. The Economic Development Commission meeting on August 19 and the Board of Finance meeting on August 27 have both been canceled. The Board of Finance canceled due to a lack of agenda items. Residents should check the town website for any newly posted meetings.

Cromwell meetings canceled; wetlands application on agenda

This week's roundup covers meetings from July 27 through August 10. Two scheduled meetings were canceled, and the Town Council discussed recruitment parameters for a new town manager. A wetlands application is pending.

Recent meetings

Town Council (July 27)

The Town Council held a special meeting to discuss and potentially approve parameters for recruiting a new town manager. The parameters include compensation, benefits, relocation assistance, and leave terms. The item was to be presented to the vendor handling the search. Minutes have not yet been published, so no final action is confirmed.

Public Asset and Facilities Committee (July 28)

The meeting was canceled because a quorum was not reached. No substantive decisions were made.

Planning & Zoning Commission (August 4)

The regular meeting was canceled by order of the Chair. No decisions were made.

Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency (August 5)

The agency considered a wetlands application for 5 Berlin Road. The application, #26-06, includes clearing, regrading, filling, and construction of a parking area and building, along with a retaining wall, drainage system, and compensatory flood storage mitigation in the Upland Review Area. The owner is 5 Berlin Cromwell, LLC; the applicant is Rodnella Realty, LLC, with Rodney Bitgood as Managing Member. The agenda also included approval of minutes from the Special Meeting of January 21, 2026, and the Regular Meeting of February 4, 2026. Minutes from this meeting have not yet been published.

Coming up

The Library Commission meeting scheduled for August 10 has been canceled. The next meeting is scheduled for September 14, 2026.

The Economic Development Commission meeting scheduled for August 19 has been canceled by order of the Chair, Stuart B. Popper, AICP. No rescheduled date has been announced.

Cromwell roundup: CMS Building Committee approves $298,810.21 in invoices; several meetings canceled

The CMS Building Committee approved $298,810.21 in project invoices for the Cromwell Middle School project at its July 22 meeting, the largest dollar action among Cromwell's recent public meetings. The unanimous vote directed payment to three firms: Newfield Construction, Arcadis, and Perkins Eastman. Members also discussed progress on the PV (photovoltaic) system and gym flooring repairs.

CMS Building Committee

On July 22, 2026, the committee unanimously approved the $298,810.21 invoice total and approved its meeting agenda unanimously. Minutes from the June 17, 2026, meeting were carried. The discussion of the PV system and gym flooring repairs was noted in the official minutes, though no separate vote was recorded on those items.

Cultural District

The Cultural District Commission met July 20, 2026, and unanimously approved meeting notes from June 15 and June 22, 2026. The commission updated its Cultural District Business Listings to include Paw Splash and Bot & Brew, and appointed Ann Grasso as clerk with support from Darlene Listro. Members discussed financial reports, branding progress, and the establishment of a nonprofit entity called Cromwell Cultural District Friends. The group also reviewed potential grants and future fundraising projects and agreed to maintain a running list of potential projects and initiatives.

Town Council

A special Town Council meeting was scheduled for July 27, 2026, to discuss and potentially approve parameters for recruiting a new town manager, including compensation, benefits, relocation assistance, and leave terms. The item was to be presented to the vendor handling the search, with an executive session possible if needed. Minutes from this meeting have not yet been published, so no decision is confirmed in the record.

Meetings canceled or without quorum

Several recent meetings did not proceed as scheduled:

• **Planning & Zoning Commission** — The July 21, 2026, regular meeting was canceled by order of the chair. No agenda items were listed.
• **Board of Finance** — The July 23, 2026, regular meeting was canceled due to a lack of agenda items. No decisions or discussions took place.
• **Public Asset and Facilities Committee** — The July 28, 2026, meeting could not be called to order because a quorum was not reached. No substantive decisions were made.

Coming up

• **Planning & Zoning Commission** — August 4, 2026, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers, 41 West Street. This meeting has been canceled by order of the chair, with no substantive items listed on the agenda.
• **Library Commission** — August 10, 2026, regular meeting canceled. The next meeting is scheduled for September 14, 2026.

Cromwell roundup: WPCA approves $80,053.70 in sewer easement fees; Town Council ratifies police union contract

The Cromwell Water Pollution Control Authority approved $80,053.70 in easement fees for the Evergreen Road Relief Sewer project and cleared two development applications during its July 13 meeting. The Town Council also convened on July 8 to ratify the police personnel union contract and approve several key appointments.

Water Pollution Control Authority

The authority approved two development projects: DP-A 186 Shunpike Road multi-family residential and DP-A 100 Berlin Road multi-use. Both votes were unanimous, recorded as "All in Favor."

The board also approved a total easement fee of $80,053.70 for the Evergreen Road Relief Sewer project. Two legal invoices from Harris Beach Murtha Cullina PLLC were approved: invoice #112600039 for $490.00 and invoice #12599953 for $996.50. All votes were unanimous.

Additionally, the board approved a coordination meeting with the Sewer Administrator and Tax Collector and adjourned the meeting at 6:37 PM.

Town Council

The council unanimously ratified the NAGE Local Ri-121 Police Department Personnel Union Contract. The council also approved the Town Manager's appointments of the Assessor and Emergency Management Director, both by unanimous vote.

A search committee was appointed to find a new Town Manager; the Mayor abstained, with all others in favor. Sonda Weston was unanimously appointed to the Cromwell Creative District Commission.

The council approved Tax Refunds 1-9, the June 10, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes, and the June 25, 2026 Special Meeting Minutes, all by unanimous vote.

Community Events Committee

The committee decided to cancel the July 17 farmers market and will review the market schedule week-to-week. The committee scheduled the Carnival for September 24 to run from 6 PM to 10 PM, featuring Bingo in the Park and ice-cream vendors.

The committee approved moving forward with banner copy and placement above Main Street near Doering Lane. First drafts of a Volunteer Plan and Volunteer Recruiting Strategy were created and will be updated over the next 30 to 45 days. The committee adjourned at 7:45 PM with all in favor.

Canceled Meetings

Several town boards canceled their regular meetings over the past two weeks:

• Planning & Zoning Commission: July 7 and July 21 meetings canceled by order of the chair.
• Conservation Commission: July 9 meeting canceled by order of the chair.
• Library Commission: July 13 meeting canceled; next meeting scheduled for August 10.
• Zoning Board of Appeals: July 14 meeting canceled by order of the Director of Planning & Development.
• Economic Development Commission: July 15 meeting canceled by order of the chair.

Coming up

• **July 20:** The Cultural District Commission will discuss branding and marketing budget updates, donations, and the concept of a nonprofit "Friends of the Cultural District." The commission will also review promotional ideas and a draft letter of appreciation for businesses, the mayor, town staff, and Senator Matt Lesser.
• **July 21:** The Planning & Zoning Commission regular meeting is canceled.
• **July 23:** The Board of Finance regular meeting is canceled due to a lack of agenda items.

Cromwell Roundup: Town Council to Act on Town Manager Appointments, Police Contract; Several Boards Cancel July Meetings

Cromwell's Town Council convened July 8 with a packed agenda — including ratification of a police union contract, appointment of a new Assessor, and possible creation of a Fair Rent Commission — but official minutes have not yet been published, so outcomes are not yet confirmed in the public record.

Town Council — July 8

The Council's agenda listed several consequential items: discussion and possible creation of a Fair Rent Commission; approval of the Town Manager's appointment of Assessor; ratification of the NAGE police union contract; approval of the Town Manager's appointment of Emergency Management Director; and review of the Finance Director's budget and tax refund reports. Because only the agenda is available and minutes have not been published, no vote tallies or final decisions can be reported at this time.

Planning & Zoning Commission — June 30 (Special Meeting)

The Commission held a special meeting to discuss draft text amendments to the town's zoning regulations in response to Connecticut House Bill 8002, which concerns housing growth. The agenda specified discussion only — no votes or final decisions were scheduled. Minutes have not yet been published.

Canceled Meetings

Four regular meetings were canceled by order of their respective chairs, with no decisions made:

• **Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency** — July 1 regular meeting canceled.
• **Planning & Zoning Commission** — July 7 regular meeting canceled.
• **Conservation Commission** — July 9 regular meeting canceled.

A second Conservation Commission agenda for July 9 — listing discussion of Sustainable Connecticut certification, an update on the Pollinator Garden (volunteer recruitment and donated materials), a review of a Hartford Courant article on pollinator decline dated June 29, 2026, a Complete Streets project update, and a Farmland Preservation Committee update — is marked as agenda only, with minutes not yet published. It is unclear from the available records whether this discussion took place separately or was affected by the cancellation.

Coming Up

• **Library Commission** — July 13 meeting canceled. Next meeting scheduled for August 10, 2026.
• **Zoning Board of Appeals** — July 14 meeting canceled. No appeals, variances, or administrative decisions will be addressed.
• **Economic Development Commission** — July 15 at Town Hall. The Commission will review and approve Summer/Fall Economic Development Awards for local businesses. The agenda also includes Chairman's and Commissioners' comments, communications, and approval of minutes, with references to a special meeting on March 25, 2026 and a regular meeting on May 20, 2026.

Residents seeking confirmed outcomes from the July 8 Town Council meeting should watch for the official minutes, which have not yet been published.

Cromwell roundup: Board of Finance approves $542,762 tax suspense list; Town Council picks WIS Fields drainage plan

The Cromwell Board of Finance approved a Tax Collector's Suspense List totaling $542,762.20 and a $4,100 interdepartmental transfer at its June 25 meeting, while the Town Council unanimously selected Option 1 for the WIS Fields drainage design project the same evening.

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance voted unanimously to approve the Tax Collector's Suspense List of $542,762.20 and an interdepartmental transfer of $4,100 from Employee Benefits to Tax Collector. The board also seated Christopher Carigliano as alternate for Ed Maley (unanimous). No public comments were heard.

Minutes from five prior meetings were approved, each by a 5-0-1 vote with one abstention: Special Meeting March 18, 2026; Public Hearing April 2, 2026; Special Meeting April 2, 2026; Special Meeting April 7, 2026; and Special Meeting May 7, 2026.

A separate Board of Finance special meeting on June 25 listed discussion and action on a WIS Design Presentation as its sole substantive item. Minutes for that session have not yet been published, so no outcome is recorded here.

Town Council

The Town Council voted unanimously to select Option 1 for the WIS Fields design project to improve drainage. The source minutes state Option 1 was recommended by the Town Manager and Town Engineer as the most realistic and cost-effective solution. The Mayor requested that the Town investigate whether the project can be implemented in phases.

Cultural District Commission

The Cultural District Commission approved purchasing 2'x6' banners for district placement (4-0) and deferred purchasing additional banners. The commission also directed the remaining $4,500 from the Town Council's appropriation toward graphic design services (4-0). A trifold brochure discussion was tabled for future review. Discussion of an upcoming state announcement event was noted, but no formal action was taken on that item.

DEI Committee

The Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee met June 22. The agenda listed updates on the Cromwell Farmer's Market and planning for a Human Library event. No formal votes or financial decisions were on the agenda, and minutes have not yet been published.

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission held a special meeting June 30 to discuss draft text amendments to the town's zoning regulations in response to Connecticut House Bill 8002, which concerns housing growth. No votes or final decisions were scheduled. Minutes have not yet been published.

Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency

The July 1 regular meeting of the Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency was canceled by order of the chair. No decisions were made.

Coming up

• **July 8 — Town Council:** Agenda includes discussion and possible creation of a Fair Rent Commission; approval of the Town Manager's appointment of Assessor; ratification of the NAGE police union contract; approval of the Town Manager's appointment of Emergency Management Director; and review of the Finance Director's budget and tax refund reports.
• **July 9 — Conservation Commission:** One agenda lists a canceled meeting by order of the chair; a second agenda lists discussion of Sustainable Connecticut certification, a Pollinator Garden update, a Hartford Courant article on pollinator decline dated June 29, 2026, a Complete Streets project update, and a Farmland Preservation Committee update.
• **Canceled meetings:** Planning & Zoning Commission on July 7; Conservation Commission on July 9 (per one agenda); Library Commission on July 13, with the next meeting set for August 10, 2026.

Board of Finance Approves $542,762 Tax Suspense List; Council Advances WIS Fields Drainage Plan

The Board of Finance signed off on a $542,762 tax suspense list and the Town Council chose a drainage improvement option for WIS Fields among the most consequential decisions made by Cromwell boards and commissions in late June 2026. A Cultural District purchase and the start of housing-law discussions rounded out the recent government business.

Board of Finance

On June 25, the Board of Finance unanimously approved the Tax Collector’s Suspense List totaling $542,762.20. The board also voted unanimously to transfer $4,100 from Employee Benefits to the Tax Collector’s budget. Christopher Carigliano was seated as an alternate member to replace Ed Maley. Minutes from five prior meetings were approved, each by a 5–0 vote with one abstention.

Town Council

The Town Council, also meeting June 25, voted unanimously to select Option 1 for the WIS Fields drainage design project. The option was presented by the Town Manager and Town Engineer as the most realistic and cost-effective solution. Mayor requested that town staff investigate whether the project could be implemented in phases.

Cultural District Commission

The Cultural District Commission voted 4–0 on June 22 to purchase 2-by-6-foot banners for placement in the district. Additional banner purchases were deferred. The commission also voted 4–0 to direct the remaining $4,500 of its Town Council appropriation toward graphic design services. A discussion of a trifold brochure was tabled for a future meeting.

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee

The DEI Committee met June 22 to review ongoing work, including participation in the Cromwell Farmer’s Market and planning for a Human Library event. No formal votes or financial actions were taken.

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission held a special meeting June 30 to discuss draft zoning text amendments related to Connecticut House Bill 8002, which addresses housing growth. No votes were scheduled.

Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency

The Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency canceled its regular meeting July 1 by order of the chair.

Coming up

The Town Council meets July 8 and is expected to discuss the possible creation of a Fair Rent Commission, vote on the appointment of a new Assessor and Emergency Management Director, ratify a police union contract with NAGE, and review Finance Director budget and tax refund reports.

The Conservation Commission’s regular July 9 meeting was canceled, but a meeting the same night will focus on Sustainable Connecticut certification, a Pollinator Garden update, the Complete Streets project, and review of an article on pollinator decline.

The Planning & Zoning Commission’s July 7 meeting and the Library Commission’s July 13 meeting are both canceled. The Library Commission’s next meeting is scheduled for Aug. 10.