Danbury meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Danbury Board of Awards approves $900K pedestrian safety design contract

The Danbury Board of Awards unanimously approved all 11 items on its Aug. 12 agenda, including a $900,000 design contract for pedestrian safety improvements. The approvals, which passed without dissent, also extended several city contracts and awarded new services.

Board of Awards approves contracts

The board ratified a $900,000 contract with Beta Group for pedestrian safety design, awarded by the Mayor. Other actions included:

• Extended a background screening contract with AccuSourceHR through May 14, 2027.
• Awarded tax bill processing services to eQuality Valuation Services/QDS as sole source, estimated at $120,000 per year.
• Extended the Fire Department wellness program with First Response Health and Wellness at $30,000 per year.
• Approved a $41,659.33 change order for a new Pierce aerial truck.
• Extended a behavioral health consultant contract with Dr. Edward Keane at $157 per hour.
• Awarded the Police Dept. wellness program to First Response Health and Wellness, $30,000 per year.
• Awarded Rogers Park repairs to BMP Construction, $40,192.47.

Environmental Impact Commission

The commission granted a permit for a proposed two-story building at 1270 Riverview Drive, with associated parking, grading, storm drainage, and plantings. The approval includes nine conditions. The applicant is Berkshire West LLC, represented by Steven Sullivan, P.E.

City Council public hearing

The City Council held a public hearing Aug. 17 on proposed amendments to police department ordinances (Sec. 22-19 through 22-30). Two residents spoke: one requested that existing ordinances be provided alongside the amendments, and another spoke in favor of requirement changes to allow qualified individuals to serve. The hearing was closed unanimously; no vote on the amendments was taken.

Cancellations and reschedules

Several meetings were cancelled or rescheduled:

• The Zoning Commission cancelled its Aug. 11 meeting; the next regular meeting is Aug. 25 at 7:00 PM.
• The Planning Commission cancelled its Aug. 19 meeting; the next is Sept. 2.
• The Civil Service Commission rescheduled its Aug. 19 meeting to Aug. 27 at 11:00 AM.
• The Zoning Board of Appeals cancelled its Aug. 27 meeting; the next is Sept. 10.

Other meetings

Several boards held routine or procedural meetings, including the Candlewood Lake Authority (regular and committee meetings), Tarrywile Park Authority, Richter Park Authority, and the Danbury Museum & Historical Society. The Margerie Reservoir Trail Advisory Committee met Aug. 19 with an agenda item to vote on accepting a trail plan and feasibility memorandum for a proposed multi-use trail. The agenda listed a Phase 1 cost estimate of $1,503,691, including a 10-foot-wide trail from the Danbury Dog Park to Route 37 and a sidewalk extension at New Fairfield Shopping Center. No minutes have been published.

Coming up

• **Cultural Commission** – Aug. 24: Will consider two grant requests totaling $31,000 ($25,000 for Living Traditions Foundation and $6,000 for Charter Oak Brewing).
• **City Council Ad Hoc Committee** – Aug. 26: Discussion of the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the DMEA.
• **City Council Audit Committee** – Aug. 26: Meeting on 2025 audit matters, with Finance Director Dan Garrick and Schools CFO Michael Weaver attending.
• **Zoning Board of Appeals** – Aug. 27: Meeting cancelled; next regular meeting Sept. 10.

Danbury Board of Awards approves $900K pedestrian safety design, $814K lagoon dredging

The Danbury Board of Awards unanimously approved a $900,000 design contract for pedestrian safety improvements and awarded a $814,713 lagoon dredging contract in two recent meetings. The board also approved several other contracts and renewals.

Board of Awards

At its Aug. 5 meeting, the board unanimously awarded a $814,713 contract to Denali Water Solutions for lagoon dredging at the West Lake Water Treatment Plant, contingent on contract execution. It also approved a $245,258.06 vehicle lift, eight HVAC service agreements totaling $65,252.25, a $39,240 Chevrolet Traverse, and $52,921 for bar rack replacement. Software renewals included a sole-source OpenGov renewal at $71,490.65 and a Tyler Technologies renewal at $299,274.89. The board added and approved a Kaseya help desk subscription renewal at $14,369.05 per year for two years.

At its Aug. 12 meeting, the board unanimously approved 11 items, including extending a background screening contract with AccuSourceHR through May 14, 2027, awarding tax bill processing services to eQuality Valuation Services/QDS as a sole source at an estimated $120,000 per year, and extending the Fire Department wellness program with First Response Health and Wellness at $30,000 per year. It approved a $41,659.33 change order for a new Pierce aerial truck, extended a behavioral health consultant contract with Dr. Edward Keane at $157 per hour, and awarded a Police Department wellness program to First Response Health and Wellness at $30,000 per year. The board also awarded Rogers Park repairs to BMP Construction for $40,192.47 and ratified the Mayor's $900,000 contract with Beta Group for pedestrian safety design.

Environmental Impact Commission

The commission granted a permit for a proposed two-story building at 1270 Riverview Drive, with associated parking, grading, storm drainage, and plantings. The approval includes nine conditions. The applicant is Berkshire West LLC, represented by Steven Sullivan, P.E.

Other recent meetings

The City Council met Aug. 4 with an agenda that included a final report from the Charter Revision Commission, a proposed ordinance authorizing automated traffic enforcement safety devices, and appointments for fire lieutenants and police officers. Minutes have not been published, so no decisions are recorded.

The Candlewood Lake Authority held several committee meetings via Zoom, including a Finance Committee review of fiscal year 2026 results and discussion of the 2027 budget, an Executive Committee meeting on bylaws and committee assignments, and a Public Awareness Committee meeting. These were agenda-only sessions with no decisions recorded.

The Planning Commission held a special meeting Aug. 5 to discuss the disposition of city property at 37 Locust Avenue, the Water Witch Hose Co. site. No minutes are published.

The Zoning Board of Appeals scheduled a public hearing for Aug. 13 on a request for setback variances for a single-family home on Wooster Heights. The hearing was on the agenda; no decision is recorded.

Two meetings were cancelled: the Civil Service Commission meeting on Aug. 5 and the Zoning Commission meeting on Aug. 11. The Zoning Commission's next regular meeting is scheduled for Aug. 25.

Coming up

• The Margerie Reservoir Trail Advisory Committee meets for its 18th session on Aug. 19. The agenda lists no specific action items.
• The City Council's Ad Hoc Committee, acting as the 2025 Audit Committee, meets Aug. 26. The agenda lists committee members, department representatives, and external auditor RSM US, LLP, but no specific items.

Danbury Board of Awards approves $3.4M airport runway, $2.6M streetscape contracts

The Danbury Board of Awards approved several major infrastructure and technology contracts at its July 29 meeting, including a $3,428,687.50 runway rehabilitation project and a $2,615,451.33 downtown streetscape phase. All votes were unanimous. The board also extended a $3,056,844.00 contract for public safety emergency communications.

Board of Awards approves major infrastructure contracts

The board awarded the runway rehabilitation bid to Empire Paving, Inc. for $3,428,687.50. It also awarded the Downtown Streetscape Renaissance Project Phase 2B to J. Japaluccio, Inc. for $2,615,451.33. Both were approved unanimously.

In addition, the board approved a $3,056,844.00 contract extension with IXP Corporation for the Public Safety Emergency Communication Center, also unanimous. Other unanimous approvals included:

• $90,000.00 for engineering and air compliance support to TRC Engineers
• $58,050.00 for VoIP and network support to Total Communications
• $72,675.00 for Sophos Endpoint Security software with Trebron Security
• $23,871.00 for Public Library firewall replacement with Trebron Security
• $35,017.88 for Kronos Telestaff software maintenance as a sole source

Charter Revision Commission finalizes recommendations

The Charter Revision Commission met twice in late July. On July 27, it approved a series of charter amendments by consensus, including adding “taxpayer” to the Preamble, changing “Appointed” to “Nominated” in Sec. 2-4, and keeping the Town Clerk as an elected position with a 4-year term. It rejected a proposal to require a 2/3 confirmation vote by the Council for certain appointments and rejected removing staggered terms for the Board of Education.

On July 29, the commission approved its final report as amended by a 6-0 vote with one abstention. The report incorporates the previously approved recommendations into a red-lined draft. The City Council is scheduled to consider the final report and ballot information at its August 4 meeting, along with a proposed ordinance authorizing automated traffic enforcement safety devices and appointments for fire lieutenants and police officers.

Cultural Commission grants

The Cultural Commission on July 27 approved a $1,000 grant to the Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra, with one dissenting vote, and a $2,500 grant to the Mad Hatter Chorus, unanimously. It also approved a reimbursement to G. Wencek for a website URL price increase and accepted June meeting minutes.

Other meeting notes

The Zoning Commission cancelled its July 28 meeting; the next meeting is set for August 11 at 7:00 PM. The Richter Park Authority, Civil Service Commission, Candlewood Lake Authority committees, and Planning Commission all held meetings or had agenda items during the period, but no decisions were recorded in the provided data. The Planning Commission met August 5 to discuss the disposition of city property at 37 Locust Avenue (Water Witch Hose Co. site).

Coming up

The City Council will meet on August 11. The agenda includes a note that the Registrar of Voters tested tabulators for the August 11 primary on July 30, with public observation permitted. The Zoning Commission also meets August 11 at 7:00 PM.

Danbury board approves $3.4M runway rehab, $2.6M streetscape work; charter revision advances

The Danbury Board of Awards approved more than $6 million in infrastructure contracts on July 29, including a $3,428,687.50 runway rehabilitation bid to Empire Paving, Inc. and a $2,615,451.33 Downtown Streetscape Renaissance Project Phase 2B bid to J. Japaluccio, Inc. Both votes were unanimous. The board also approved a $3,056,844.00 contract extension with IXP Corporation for the Public Safety Emergency Communication Center.

Board of Awards: Runway, streetscape, and public safety contracts

The July 29 meeting produced a slate of unanimous contract awards. In addition to the runway and streetscape projects, the board awarded $90,000.00 to TRC Engineers for engineering and air compliance support, $58,050.00 to Total Communications for VoIP and network support, and $72,675.00 to Trebron Security for Sophos Endpoint Security software. A $23,871.00 Public Library firewall replacement with Trebron Security and a $35,017.88 Kronos Telestaff software maintenance sole-source award were also approved unanimously.

A separate July 22 Board of Awards agenda listed security guard services for the Library and City Hall, a Cellebrite Forensic Software System subscription for the Police Department, environmental services for the closed Danbury Landfill stewardship permit, fire alarm testing and inspection for 22 public school buildings, and IT support services and AS400 Secure Cloud Hosting for FY 2026-2027. Minutes for that meeting have not yet been published.

Charter Revision: Council recommendations and Commission consensus

The City Council reviewed draft Charter Revision chapters on July 21 and passed several recommendations to the Charter Revision Commission. Approved items included replacing "Designated" with "Appointed" in Sec 2-4 (18-1), amending all Charter references to "state statutes" to read "General Statutes" (19-0), and requiring reporting to the Council of any gifts made to the city in Sec 4-1 (11-8). The Council denied a motion to set all elected officials to 2-year terms (5-14) and denied a motion to limit committee chairs to 2-year terms (6-13).

On July 23, the Council voted to transmit recommended changes to the Charter Revision Commission and convene a joint conference meeting (13-5), after accepting the call to service (14-1) and waiving reading of Committee of the Whole and Public Hearing minutes (14-3).

The Charter Revision Commission met July 27 and reached consensus on multiple amendments. It approved adding "taxpayer" to the Preamble, changing "Appointed" to "Nominated" in Sec. 2-4, removing the term "elected" from Sec. 3-6, and keeping the Town Clerk as an elected position with a 4-year term. The Commission rejected removing staggered terms for the Board of Education and rejected requiring a 2/3 confirmation vote by the Council in Sec. 6-4. It also approved reinstating the language of Section 8-2 with no objection. A July 29 Commission meeting was scheduled to discuss the City Charter Final Report and the Chairman's Report; minutes are not yet published.

Cultural Commission: Grants approved

The Cultural Commission approved a $1,000 grant to the Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra, passing with one dissenting vote, and a $2,500 grant to the Mad Hatter Chorus, approved unanimously. The Commission also approved a reimbursement for G. Wencek regarding a website URL price increase and accepted June meeting minutes, both unanimously. The agenda had initially listed requests of $3,000 and $4,000 respectively; the approved amounts differ from those requested.

City Council: Museum appointment

A Council ad hoc committee voted on July 22 to reappoint Doug Polistena to the Danbury Museum & Historical Society Authority (2-0-1), pending verification of current membership and the status of Reverend Whitfield to ensure the appointment does not exceed bylaws.

Park authorities and other boards

The Richter Park Authority held regular monthly meetings on July 21 and July 28 at 100 Aunt Hack Road. Agendas included staff and committee reports, grant updates, a cell tower update, and a Bria confirmation under new business. Minutes are not yet published.

The Tarrywile Park Authority met July 21 to review treasurer, managing director, and chairman reports, plus draft versions of a Philanthropic Vision and Stewardship Strategy, a Legacy and Endowment Investment Policy Statement, and a Legacy and Endowment Gift Acceptance Policy. Minutes are not yet published.

The Environmental Impact Commission was scheduled July 22 to review a proposed two-story building with parking and storm drainage at 1270 Riverview Drive, along with notices of violation at 111 Coalpit Hill Road, 124 Franklin Street, and 18 Spruce Mountain Road, and a permit extension request for 5 Old Post Road. Minutes are not yet published.

The Civil Service Commission's July 22 meeting was cancelled. A July 29 agenda listed certifying eligibility lists for Clerk Typist II and Truck Driver, removing candidates from Entry-Level Police Officer and Certified Police Officer eligibility lists, and qualifying applications for Assistant Fire Chief, Children's Program Coordinator, Librarian I-Teen Services, and Planning Specialist. Minutes are not yet published.

The Zoning Board of Appeals cancelled its July 23 meeting; its next regular meeting is August 13, 2026. The Zoning Commission cancelled its July 28 meeting; its next meeting is August 11, 2026, at 7:00 PM.

Coming up

• **August 5 — Planning Commission (special meeting):** Discussion and possible action on a referral regarding disposition of city property at the Water Witch Hose Co. site, 37 Locust Avenue (J12123).
• **August 11 — City Council:** Agenda notes that the Registrar of Voters tested tabulators for the August 11, 2026 primary on July 30, with public observation permitted in the 3rd Floor Conference Room at 11:00 a.m.

Danbury roundup: Board approves $749,839 shelter agreement, council advances traffic enforcement ordinance

The Danbury Board of Awards unanimously authorized a revised agreement with the Association of Religious Communities, extending shelter-service funding to $749,839 and the term to June 30, 2027. The action was among several municipal contracts and appointments approved across recent city meetings.

Board of Awards

On July 15, the Board of Awards unanimously approved the shelter-service agreement update. It also awarded a $578,500 contract to Silver Petrucelli & Associates for architectural services for a new fire station, and a $78,500 contract to Fuss & O'Neill for stormwater sampling engineering services. A sole-source contract for affordable-housing administration services was awarded to NP Rentals & Management, estimated at $5,000 for the fiscal year. The board unanimously extended an annual unit-price bid with Stone Construction and Earthmovers for one year.

On July 8, the Board of Awards approved multiple vendor contracts. This included a $285,062 replacement of the police security surveillance system with Utility Communications, and a $54,103 fire department vehicle purchase from Northwest Hills Automotive. The board awarded up to $77,000 in library books to Ingram Library Services and extended a medical consulting contract with Dr. William Begg III at $1,250/month. It also ratified an estimated $60,000 emergency wastewater treatment plant repair by Veolia Water and approved a $51,000 emergency purchase of 100 catch basin tops from United Concrete. McKenney Mechanical was selected for burner maintenance as the best-value bidder over Johnson Controls, and hydraulic repair contracts were extended to C&C Hydraulics and T&G Sales and Service for one year. All July 8 motions carried unanimously.

City Council

The City Council met on July 7 and July 14. On July 7, the council unanimously approved easement acquisitions for the Diamond Rd drainage project and a water main extension at 15 Great Pasture Road. It approved an amendment to the Danbury-Bethel Interlocal Sewer and Water Agreement and a resolution for an airport taxiway light upgrade. The council confirmed the appointment of Steven Cacace as Deputy Fire Marshal and the promotion of Jonathan Grande to Police Sergeant. Robert Bria was appointed to the Richter Park Authority by an 18-3 vote; all other appointments and re-appointments were unanimous. The council also approved funding for the Kenosia Well Field treatment project and accepted a $1,000 donation from the Olde Crabs Hockey Club. Several items were referred to ad hoc committees or public hearings, including the Charter Revision Commission report, the 37 Locust Avenue property disposition, and Fire Department ordinance amendments.

On July 14, the council voted unanimously to recommend approval of the proposed Automated Traffic Enforcement Safety Devices (ATESD) ordinance, including an amendment to Section 46–44.C on data retention. A separate July 14 ad hoc committee meeting discussed the proposed ordinance, which would add 13 sections to the code regarding devices in school and pedestrian safety zones. Proposed fines are $50 for a first violation and $75 for subsequent violations, with an electronic payment processing fee not to exceed $15 per citation. The proposal includes a 30-day written warning period after a device is installed and requires a sworn Police Department member to review recorded images before a citation is issued. Vendor fees cannot be contingent on the number of citations or fines paid.

Police Pension Board

The POST 1983 Police Pension Board met on July 13 and granted years of service pensions to Detective Robert Perun, who served from 2/26/2001 to 7/12/2026, and Officer John Flannigan, who served from 3/19/2001 to 6/30/2026. The board accepted minutes from its June 10 meeting.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals scheduled public hearings for July 9 on three variance requests. One seeks to eliminate landscape parking island trees for a solar array at 65 Sandpit Road. Another requests to increase building coverage from 20% to 20.7% and reduce rear setback from 35' to 20.1' for an addition at 9 Bronson Road. A continued hearing will consider permitting an illuminated sign to change content at intervals of no less than 2.5 minutes at 70 Newtown Road. Minutes for this meeting have not yet been published.

Coming up

The Environmental Impact Commission, which cancelled its July 8 meeting, is scheduled to meet on July 22. The Zoning Board of Appeals has cancelled its July 23 meeting; its next regular meeting is set for August 13.

Danbury Board Awards $324,664 Truck, $296,256 Inspection Contract in Unanimous Votes

The Danbury Board of Awards unanimously approved the purchase of a bulky waste truck for $324,664 and awarded a $296,256 contract for construction inspection services at its July 1 meeting. All motions passed unanimously.

Board of Awards

The July 1 meeting included several other unanimous awards. The board awarded construction inspection services to GM2 for $296,256, extended the bid award for Fleet Auto Supply for one year, and approved the purchase of a Freightliner truck for $324,664. Treated road salt was awarded to Morton Salt at $101.06 per ton. Tree services went to Bart's Tree Service, tire purchase and services to Belardinelli Tire and Pete's Tire Barns, plumbing services to Salvatore Plumbing, and alarm monitoring to Pye-Barker/United Alarm.

City Council Ad Hoc Committee

On June 22, the committee unanimously recommended that the City Council approve an amendment to the 2008 Danbury-Bethel Interlocal Utilities Agreement. The change allows utility use for a specific property on the border to facilitate planned developments in both municipalities. The committee was also scheduled to consider a water extension request for 15 Great Pasture Road; minutes for that discussion have not yet been published.

Zoning Commission

The commission held two public hearings June 23 on major zoning regulation and map amendments. One petition revises multiple sections of the zoning code and adds new sections. The other proposes rezoning properties to create a Mixed-Use Transit Oriented District, a Priority Housing Development Overlay Zone, and two Conservation & Traffic Mitigation Districts, in compliance with state HB 8002. Minutes have not yet been published.

Charter Revision Commission

The commission was scheduled to vote June 25 on a motion to approve its draft report and submit it to the Town Clerk. A public hearing the same day gathered resident feedback on proposed charter changes, including extending terms for Mayor and City Council from 2 to 4 years, shifting municipal elections to a quadrennial cycle starting in 2027, and extending terms to 4 years for Treasurer, Constables, Town Clerk, and Zoning Commission. The draft also includes changes to Board of Education election cycles and establishment of a reapportionment advisory commission by February 15, 2032. Minutes have not yet been published.

Other Meetings

• **Boards of Awards (June 24):** Scheduled to consider renewal of the annual Incident Management, Communications & Mass Notification System for the Office of Emergency Management and award Bid #03-25-26-06 for chemicals for the Water Department. No dollar amounts were listed.
• **Civil Service Commission (June 24):** Scheduled to certify a Pipe Installer I eligibility list, qualify Truck Driver applications, and remove candidates from the Entry Level Police Officer eligibility list. Personnel updates include Leandro Martinez hired for General Carpentry and Melissa May promoted to Intelligence Coordinator.
• **Environmental Impact Commission (June 24):** Scheduled to consider Application #1269 for dwelling alterations at 12 Sage Road and review seven notices of violation at properties including 111 Coalpit Hill Rd, 124 Franklin St, 18 Spruce Mountain Rd, 5 Oak Ln, 25 & 24 Miry Brook Rd, and 130-132 Great Plain Rd.
• **Zoning Board of Appeals (June 25):** Meeting cancelled.
• **Planning Commission (July 1):** Meeting cancelled.

Coming up

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings July 9 on three variance requests: eliminating landscape parking island trees for a solar array at 65 Sandpit Road, increasing building coverage to 20.7% and reducing rear setback to 20.1 feet for an addition at 9 Bronson Road, and permitting an illuminated sign to change content at intervals of no less than 2.5 minutes at 70 Newtown Road. The Environmental Impact Commission's July 8 meeting has been cancelled; its next regular meeting is July 22.

Danbury Board of Awards greenlights $620,000 in contracts, truck purchase and more

The Board of Awards authorized more than $620,000 in spending at its July 1 meeting, voting unanimously to buy a new bulky waste truck and approve a construction inspection contract, according to official minutes. The action was one of the few decided items in a two-week span that also included a utilities agreement recommendation, charter revision talk, and several cancelled sessions.

Board of Awards clears spending package

The board voted unanimously on all eight items before it.

• A Freightliner bulky waste truck was purchased for **$324,664**.
• A construction inspection services contract was awarded to GM2 for **$296,256**.
• The bid for Fleet Auto Supply was extended for one year.
• Treated road salt was awarded to Morton Salt at **$101.06 per ton**.
• Tree services went to Bart’s Tree Service, tire purchases and services to Belardinelli Tire and Pete’s Tire Barns, plumbing services to Salvatore Plumbing, and alarm monitoring to Pye-Barker/United Alarm.

Utilities agreement recommendation

On June 22, a City Council ad hoc committee voted unanimously to recommend that the full council update the 2008 Danbury-Bethel Interlocal Utilities Agreement. The change would allow utility use for a specific border property to facilitate planned developments in both municipalities. The council itself has not yet taken final action.

Charter revision public hearing

The Charter Revision Commission held a public hearing June 25 on a draft report that proposes sweeping changes to city government. Key items include:

• Extending the terms for Mayor, City Council, Treasurer, Constables, Town Clerk and Zoning Commission members from two years to four years.
• Shifting municipal elections to a quadrennial cycle starting in 2027.
• Changing Board of Education election cycles and term lengths.
• Establishing a reapportionment advisory commission by Feb. 15, 2032.

The commission was expected to vote on the draft report that same night, but minutes have not been published.

Zoning overhaul hearings held

The Zoning Commission held two public hearings June 23 on a pair of petitions that would amend zoning regulations and the official zoning map. The changes would create a Mixed-Use Transit Oriented District, a Priority Housing Development Overlay Zone, and two Conservation & Traffic Mitigation Districts — all in compliance with state law HB 8002. No decisions have been reported; staff reports and Planning Commission recommendations were available for review.

Land-use items in brief

The Environmental Impact Commission considered an application (#1269) on June 24 for dwelling alterations at 12 Sage Road, and received updates on seven notices of violation at various properties. No minutes are available.

The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting scheduled for June 25 was cancelled. The Planning Commission meeting set for July 1 was also cancelled.

Coming up

The Zoning Board of Appeals will meet on July 9 to hold public hearings on three variance requests:

• **65 Sandpit Road**: eliminate a landscape requirement for parking island trees to install a solar array.
• **9 Bronson Road**: increase building coverage from 20% to 20.7% and reduce a rear setback from 35 feet to 20.1 feet for an addition.
• **70 Newtown Road** (continued hearing): permit an illuminated sign to change content at intervals of no less than 2.5 minutes.

The Environmental Impact Commission has cancelled its July 8 meeting. The next regular Planning Commission session is July 15.