Deep River meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Library Trustees Vote No Confidence in Absent Member; Fire Board Approves Minutes

The Deep River Public Library Board of Trustees voted unanimously to express no confidence in an elected trustee for prolonged lack of attendance and involvement, the most significant action taken at town meetings over the past two weeks. The board also approved a $125 trial season pass to Bushnell Park Carousel and supported a book and bake sale for Deep River Family Day.

Library Trustees

At its Aug. 10 meeting, the Board of Trustees took several formal actions, all by unanimous vote:

• Voted no confidence in an elected trustee due to prolonged lack of attendance and involvement.
• Approved the minutes of the June 8, 2026 meeting.
• Approved the Treasurer's report.
• Supported a book and bake sale for Deep River Family Day.
• Approved a $125 trial season pass to Bushnell Park Carousel.

The board also agreed to review exemplar codes of conduct at its next meeting.

Fire Board

The Board of Fire Commissioners met Aug. 3 and unanimously approved the minutes of its July 6, 2026 meeting. Discussion covered unpaid invoices and budget overruns in several line items, including vehicle maintenance. The chief reported on capital project outreach, the new firehouse, and a brush truck repaint. No other formal decisions were made.

Other Meetings (Agenda Only)

Several boards met during the past two weeks but took no recorded votes or decisions. Their agendas included:

• **Community Health Committee (Aug. 5):** Discussed the backpack program, a food pantry update, and changes to a thank-you card before the next print order.
• **Firehouse Building Committee (Aug. 6):** Reviewed a building program and design services update from TSKP, discussed alternative firehouse sites, reviewed invoices, and received an update from the Board of Finance. The committee also planned to nominate and vote for a Secretary.
• **Transfer Station Committee (Aug. 10):** No agenda was available; the agenda text stated only "No Agenda" and directed readers to review minutes.
• **Design Advisory Board (Aug. 10):** Held a special meeting to discuss Public Act 25-1 and review proposed renovations to Marvin Field, located across from The First Congregational Church.
• **Parks and Recreation Commission (Aug. 12):** Received updates on Plattwood Park renovations, summer camp, and before/after school programs. The commission discussed the upcoming Deep River Day on Sept. 19, 2026, and planned to vote on approving June 10 meeting minutes.
• **Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission (Aug. 13):** Reviewed three wetland permit applications: a new single-family residence at 75 Rattling Valley Road (John Shail), a house model change at 1H Sylvan Terrace (Howard Rubin, POA for Toby Rubin), and a shared driveway for four new homes on Westbrook Road (Scott Monterville). The commission also addressed enforcement and finance reports.

Coming Up

The Economic Development Commission meets today, Aug. 17, to discuss its 18-month strategic plan and action items, an update on the Main Street Accelerator Program, traffic, website updates, and business visits. The agenda also includes a Business of the Month selection and reports on town meeting representation and RiverCog economic development services. No formal votes are listed.

Deep River boards approve summer camp extension, tax refunds

The Deep River Board of Finance voted 3-2 on July 28 to approve a one-week extension of the Parks and Recreation summer camp, adding August 10–14 on the condition that the additional week operates on a breakeven basis. In a separate meeting the same day, the Board of Selectmen approved four tax refunds totaling $5,750.46. Both decisions were recorded in official minutes.

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance approved the one-week summer camp extension by a 3-2 vote. The extension is contingent on the additional week being self-funded, meaning it must cover its own costs without additional town appropriation. The board also unanimously approved the minutes from its June 30, 2026 meeting.

During the meeting, members discussed upcoming capital financing for fire department vehicles. No action was taken on that item; it was listed as a discussion only.

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved four tax refunds totaling $5,750.46. The board also unanimously approved the minutes from its July 14, 2026 meeting.

Members discussed potential uses for $1.8 million in back tax funds from the Mount Saint John property, as well as the upcoming retirement of the Tax Collector. No final decisions were made on either topic.

Board of Fire Commissioners

The Board of Fire Commissioners met on August 3 to review financial statements and receive reports from the Chief, Deputy Chief, Fire Marshal, and Engineer. The agenda consisted of standard procedural items. Minutes have not yet been published, and no decisions are listed.

Coming up

The Design Advisory Board will hold a special meeting on August 10 to discuss Public Act 25-1 and review proposed renovations to Marvin Field, located across from The First Congregational Church. The agenda lists no votes or decisions; the items are for discussion and review only.

Deep River roundup: Summer camp extended one week, tax refunds approved, zoning variances granted

The Deep River Board of Finance approved a one-week extension of the Parks and Recreation summer camp, running August 10–14, on the condition that the additional week breaks even financially. The vote split 3–2. The Board also reviewed the Treasurer's report and discussed upcoming capital financing for fire department vehicles, though no decisions were made on that item.

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen approved four tax refunds totaling $5,750.46 by a unanimous vote. Members also approved minutes from the July 14, 2026 meeting unanimously.

The Board discussed potential uses for $1.8 million in back tax funds from the Mount Saint John property and the upcoming retirement of the Tax Collector. No final decisions were made on either topic.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved two variance applications unanimously at its July 23 meeting.

• A variance reducing the setback from 10 feet to 6 feet for a garage at 109 Union Street.
• A variance for driveways and yard setbacks at 75 Rattling Valley Road for a single-family residence.

The Board also unanimously approved its 2026 regular meeting schedule and the minutes of its June 15, 2026 special meeting and public hearing.

Economic Development Commission

The Economic Development Commission met July 20 to discuss an 18-month strategic plan and a possible recommendation to the Board of Selectmen. The agenda also included updates on the Riverwatch Castle project (formerly Mount Saint John), the Main Street Accelerator Program, and traffic improvements. The commission planned to establish a template for business visits and consider renaming the Business of the Month program. Minutes from this meeting have not yet been published, so no actions or votes can be confirmed.

Firehouse Building Committee

The Firehouse Building Committee met July 21 to receive updates from TSKP on the building program and design services. Members also discussed alternative sites, reviewed financial invoices, and held a nomination and vote for the Secretary position. Minutes have not yet been published.

Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission

The quarterly Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission meeting scheduled for July 23, 2026, was canceled.

Coming up

• **Board of Fire Commissioners** — Monday, August 3, 2026. The board will review financial statements and receive reports from the Chief, Deputy Chief, Fire Marshal, and Engineer. The agenda consists of standard procedural items.

Deep River meeting roundup: Firehouse committee approves $7,090 invoice, wetlands commission acts on two permits

The Firehouse Building Committee approved a $7,090.00 invoice from architect TSKP and directed the firm to begin a site test fit on the Historical Society property, while the Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission approved an application and authorized a permit at 1000 Industrial Park Road in meetings over the past two weeks.

Firehouse Building Committee

On July 7, the committee unanimously approved meeting minutes from June 16, 2026, and approved TSKP Invoice No. 260601-1 for $7,090.00, also unanimously. Members discussed a reduced building program of 12,492 square feet and directed TSKP to begin a test fit of the Historical Society property. A test fit is an early design step to see whether a proposed building footprint works on a given site.

Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission

On July 9, the commission took several 5-0 votes. It approved May 14, 2026 minutes with amendment and June 15, 2026 minutes, both 5-0. It accepted the application by Scott Monterville (5-0) and authorized an administrative permit for James Howard at 1000 Industrial Park Road (5-0). The application by Howard Rubin was tabled to the next regular meeting (5-0).

Board of Fire Commissioners

On July 6, the Board of Fire Commissioners approved minutes from its June 1, 2026 meeting, unanimously. Members discussed budget line-item overages and the need for administrative help. No other substantive votes were taken.

Design Advisory Board

The Design Advisory Board held a special meeting July 9 to discuss potential language for zoning regulations regarding housing reforms specified in Public Act 25-1. No formal decisions or votes were recorded.

Board of Selectmen (agenda only)

The Board of Selectmen met July 14 to discuss paving bids and town projects. The agenda also included an update on the Plattwood Park STEAP Grant, a traffic camera discussion, a Transfer Station Advisory Committee discussion, and the Main Street Banner Program and 250th Celebration events. Minutes have not yet been published, so no outcomes are confirmed.

Planning and Zoning Commission (agenda only)

The Planning and Zoning Commission met July 15 to hold public hearings on two zoning text amendments: one updating solid waste facility language and another revising rules for vendors and temporary outdoor events. The agenda also included a vote on a filing extension for a minor subdivision at 217 Winthrop Road, approval of June 17, 2026 pm meeting minutes, and payment of bills. Minutes have not yet been published.

Coming up

• **Economic Development Commission — July 20:** The commission will discuss and consider a recommendation to the Board of Selectmen on an 18-month strategic plan. Other items include updates on the Riverwatch Castle project, the Main Street Accelerator Program, and traffic improvements, plus establishing a template for business visits.
• **Board of Fire Commissioners — August 3:** The board will review financial statements and receive reports from the Chief, Deputy Chief, Fire Marshal, and Engineer. The agenda consists of standard procedural items.

Deep River special town meeting approves six measures; selectmen recommend keeping Transfer Station open Sundays

A special town meeting on June 29 unanimously approved six measures, including support for two Neighborhood Assistance Grant applications and a set of ordinance amendments affecting parks, docks, conservation, and zoning fees.

Special Town Meeting — June 29

All six items passed unanimously:

• Support for Neighborhood Assistance Grant applications for the First Congregational Church and the Deep River Housing Authority.
• Appointment of Juana L. Figueroa to the Community Health Committee.
• Amended Park and Recreation Commission ordinance, revising quorum and hiring authority.
• Amended Deep River Landing and Dock ordinance, updating restrictions.
• Amended Canfield Woods ordinance, granting regulatory authority to the Conservation Commission.
• Updated Planning and Zoning Fee Ordinance, repealing two outdated ordinances.

Board of Selectmen — June 30

The Board of Selectmen discussed a proposed $16,000 budget cut for the Transfer Station and recommended keeping Sunday operations open by finding alternative reductions within the department. The board also received an update on the Hometown Heroes Banner installation.

Board of Finance — June 30

The Board of Finance unanimously approved minutes from its May 26 regular meeting and four budget workshop meetings held May 28 and June 2, 9, and 18. Members received a presentation from the Board of Education Governance Task Force recommending a unified PreK–12 board structure. The board also discussed Transfer Station Sunday hours and the associated budget reduction, and reviewed budget process improvements. No votes were taken on these discussion items.

Board of Fire Commissioners — July 6

The board unanimously approved minutes from its June 1 meeting. Members discussed budget line-item overages and the need for administrative help. No other substantive votes were taken.

Firehouse Building Committee — July 7 (agenda only)

This meeting was scheduled to discuss alternative sites for the new firehouse, review building program updates from TSKP, and approve invoices. The committee also planned to approve June 16 minutes, nominate and vote for a Secretary position, and receive updates from the Board of Finance and Board of Selectmen. Minutes have not yet been published.

Design Advisory Board — July 9 (agenda only)

The Design Advisory Board scheduled a special meeting to discuss guidelines recommended for adoption by Planning and Zoning, related to Public Act 25-1. No decisions were scheduled; this was a discussion item. Minutes have not yet been published.

Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission — July 9 (agenda only)

The commission was scheduled to review a permit amendment for a house model change at 1H Sylvan Terrace and a shared driveway construction application for Westbrook Road. The agenda also included approval of May 14 and June 15 minutes, discussion and action on enforcement matters, and a finance report with payment of bills. Minutes have not yet been published.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are listed for the next 14 days.

Deep River town meeting approves six measures; boards review budget, masterplan

Deep River's special town meeting on June 29 unanimously approved six measures, including ordinance amendments affecting parks, docks, Canfield Woods, and zoning fees, plus support for two Neighborhood Assistance Grant applications.

Town Meeting Approves Ordinance Changes and Appointments

The June 29 special town meeting, recorded in official minutes, approved all six items on its agenda by unanimous vote. Residents voted to support Neighborhood Assistance Grant applications for the First Congregational Church and the Deep River Housing Authority. Juana L. Figueroa was appointed to the Community Health Committee.

Four ordinance amendments passed unanimously: revisions to the Park and Recreation Commission quorum and hiring authority; updated Deep River Landing and Dock restrictions; regulatory authority over Canfield Woods granted to the Conservation Commission; and an updated Planning and Zoning Fee Ordinance, which included the repeal of two outdated ordinances.

Board of Selectmen Reviews Tax Refunds, DOT Grant, Budget Referendum

The Board of Selectmen met June 23 to discuss several items, though minutes have not yet been published. The agenda included a request for $2,240.84 in tax refunds, discussion of the upcoming town budget referendum, and a public hearing on the Transfer Station budget. The board was also scheduled to receive a report on an $846,400.00 Department of Transportation Community Connectivity Grant and to appoint Tom Dougherty to the Conservation Commission.

A second Board of Selectmen meeting on June 30 was set to discuss a proposed $16,000 reduction to the Waste Removal/Recycling Department budget and to receive an update on the Main Street Visionaries Hometown Heroes Banner Project.

Board of Finance Examines Budget and Firehouse Status

The Board of Finance met June 23 and again June 30 to review the FY 2025-26 budget and 2026 financing. Both agendas included updates on the capital cash forecast, firehouse status, and the FY 2024-25 year-end audit. The June 23 meeting also included approval of minutes from May 26 and four budget workshop meetings in May and June, plus a treasurer's report and audience participation. Minutes for both meetings have not yet been published.

Land Use Commissions Hear Downtown Masterplan Update

On June 22, the Planning and Zoning Commission, Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission, Economic Development Commission, and Design Advisory Board held a special joint meeting to receive a presentation on the Deep River Downtown Masterplan, including a six-month progress report. No decisions or public hearings were scheduled; the session was informational. Minutes have not yet been published.

Coming Up

• **Board of Fire Commissioners** — July 6: Regular meeting to review financial statements, payment of bills, and reports from the Chief, Deputy Chief, Fire Marshal, Engineer, and Chairman. Includes approval of June 1, 2026 minutes.
• **Design Advisory Board** — July 9: Special meeting to discuss guidelines recommended for adoption by Planning and Zoning related to Public Act 25-1. No decisions are scheduled; this is a discussion item.

Town meeting adopts multiple ordinance changes, backs grant applications

A special town meeting on June 29 adopted a series of ordinance amendments and gave unanimous support to state grant applications for local organizations, according to official minutes released this week.

Voters approved six measures without dissent. Among them: revised rules for the Park and Recreation Commission, updated restrictions at Deep River Landing and Dock, and new regulatory authority over Canfield Woods granted to the Conservation Commission. The meeting also amended the Planning and Zoning Fee Ordinance and repealed two outdated ordinances. Additionally, the town backed Neighborhood Assistance Grant applications for the First Congregational Church and the Deep River Housing Authority, and appointed Juana L. Figueroa to the Community Health Committee.

Downtown master plan reviewed in joint session

Four land-use panels held a special joint meeting on June 22 to receive a six-month progress report on the Deep River Downtown Masterplan. The Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission, Design Advisory Board, Economic Development Commission, and Planning and Zoning Commission heard the update but took no votes. The presentation was informational only.

Budget, transfer station and grant item draw board attention

The Board of Finance met twice in the past two weeks to review the current fiscal year’s budget and the outlook for 2026. Agendas for its June 23 and June 30 meetings listed a capital cash forecast update, a firehouse status report, the year-end audit for fiscal 2024–25, and a review of the fiscal 2025–26 budget. No official minutes are yet available.

At its June 23 meeting, the Board of Selectmen discussed the upcoming town budget referendum and a request for $2,240.84 in tax refunds. The agenda also included a report on a $846,400 state Department of Transportation Community Connectivity Grant and a discussion of the transfer station budget. The board was scheduled to consider appointing Tom Dougherty to the Conservation Commission.

The selectmen reconvened June 30 to continue discussing a proposed $16,000 reduction to the Waste Removal/Recycling Department budget. After that special meeting, the board participated in the Board of Finance session.

Coming up

The Board of Fire Commissioners meets July 6 to review financial statements and pay bills, with reports from the chief, deputy chief, fire marshal, engineer and chairman.

The Design Advisory Board holds a special meeting July 9 to discuss guidelines related to Public Act 25-1. No decisions are scheduled; the item is for discussion only.