Harwinton meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Harwinton boards approve intermunicipal agreement, resubdivision application

The Water Pollution Control Authority accepted a finalized intermunicipal agreement with Torrington on Aug. 11, a step that authorizes Chair Mike Bosco to sign the document. The unanimous vote was among several decisions made by town boards over the past two weeks, including a land resubdivision application, road funding updates, and appointments.

Water Pollution Control Authority

The WPCA approved the minutes from its May 12 meeting and accepted the finalized intermunicipal agreement (IMA) with Torrington, authorizing Chair Mike Bosco to sign it. Both votes were unanimous. The board also reviewed June and July financial reports and discussed a notice about a proposed one-year zoning moratorium related to Public Act 25-1, but took no action on it.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission accepted Doug Roy's application for a 3-lot resubdivision at 621 Hill Road and scheduled a public hearing for Sept. 9, 2026. The vote was unanimous. The commission also gave a unanimous positive referral to the Zoning Commission's temporary moratorium, finding it consistent with the Plan of Conservation and Development. Discussion on the 8-24 referral for the town garage demolition was deferred.

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance approved the July 9, 2026 meeting minutes on a 4-0-1 vote, with Casella abstaining. No new financial decisions were made. The board noted $2 million in LOTSIP funds approved for Scoville Hill Road rehabilitation and a $250,000 grant for a speed study on town roads. It also discussed potential July 4 storm costs exceeding $300,000 and a Thierry Garage replacement cost of about $83,000.

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved the Aug. 4 regular meeting minutes, four appointments, a driveway bond release, and the Tax Collector's Correction Letter. Appointments included Wylan Jacheo (Animal Control) and Sandy Davis, Art Potwin, and Leslie Flowers (Library Construction Committee). The board also discussed a proposed one-year zoning moratorium related to Public Act 25-1.

Recreation Commission

The Recreation Commission approved updated pickleball court signs with the phrase "Courts are open dawn to dusk" (motion by Delmonte, second by Zaba) and approved minutes from the February meeting (motion by Zaba, second by Delmonte). The commission discussed playground equipment safety concerns, including broken swing buckles and split monkey bars, and plans to contact vendors about repairs or replacement. No formal action was taken on a potential usage fee for youth sports or reducing commission size.

Zoning Commission

The Zoning Commission held an informal discussion on proposed zoning regulation amendments for PA25-1 compliance, focusing on off-street parking rules for developments with more than 16 units and 16 or fewer units. No formal decisions were made. The commission also informally discussed potential moratoriums on data centers, battery storage, and solar, but tabled them. The meeting was procedural, with no substantive votes taken.

Historic District Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals

Both bodies met with agendas only; minutes have not yet been published. The Historic District Commission reviewed a July public hearing and discussed changes to Section 106 of the National Preservation Act and the Certificate of Appropriateness process. The Zoning Board of Appeals will decide on a 61.2-foot rear yard variance for a 12' x 14' deck at 727 Hill Road; the public hearing closed July 15, 2026.

Coming up

The Zoning Commission will hold its regular meeting on Aug. 24, 2026, to discuss proposed zoning regulation amendments for PA25-1 compliance, informal talks on draft moratoriums for data centers, battery storage, and solar facilities, and a review of current zoning regulations. Updates on TARGA I, LLC/Sunset Ridge and enforcement actions are also on the agenda.

Harwinton Selectmen Void Tax Abatement Vote; Library, WPCA Approve Spending and Agreement

The Board of Selectmen voided a prior vote to abate 2025 taxes, citing a lack of authority under state statute. In other action, the Library Board approved new software and a laptop lending program, and the Water Pollution Control Authority accepted an intermunicipal agreement with Torrington. The Recreation Commission approved new pickleball signs, while the Zoning Commission held an informal discussion on parking amendments without taking action.

Board of Selectmen

At its Aug. 4 meeting, the Board of Selectmen learned that its previous vote to abate 2025 taxes is null and void because the board lacks authority to do so under state statute. The board approved two appointments: Roland Perreault to the Zoning Board of Appeals alternate seat and Mark Fallon to the Recreation Commission. It also approved the minutes of the July 21, 2026 regular meeting as written and adjourned at 7:17 p.m. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting was largely informational.

Library Board of Directors

At its Aug. 3 meeting, the Harwinton Public Library Board of Directors approved several expenditures and initiatives. The board unanimously approved up to $800 for new office suite software and a $175 ARSL institutional membership. It also approved a laptop lending program for residents on Snap/Husky programs by a majority vote. The board accepted a $3,000 Beck Family Donation for large print books and approved an art sales commission increase from 20% to 25% unanimously. The director's report, minutes, and treasurer's report were all approved unanimously.

Water Pollution Control Authority

At its Aug. 11 meeting, the Water Pollution Control Authority approved the minutes from the May 12, 2026 meeting unanimously and accepted the finalized intermunicipal agreement (IMA) with Torrington, authorizing Chair Mike Bosco to sign it. The board also reviewed June and July financial reports and discussed a notice about a proposed one-year moratorium on zoning regulations related to Public Act 25-1, but took no action on it.

Recreation Commission

At its Aug. 10 meeting, the Recreation Commission approved updated pickleball court signs with the phrase "Courts are open dawn to dusk" (motion by Delmonte, second by Zaba). It also approved minutes from the February meeting. The commission discussed concerns about playground equipment safety, including broken swing buckles and split monkey bars, and plans to contact vendors about repairs or replacement. It also discussed a potential usage fee for youth sports to fund equipment replacement and reducing commission size to lower quorum, but took no formal action on these items.

Zoning Commission

At its Aug. 10 meeting, the Zoning Commission held an informal discussion on proposed zoning regulation amendments to comply with PA25-1, focusing on new off-street parking rules for developments with more than 16 units and 16 or fewer units. No formal decisions were made. The commission also informally discussed potential moratoriums on data centers, battery storage, and solar, but tabled these for now. It approved the minutes of the 7/27/2026 meeting (motion passed, J. Erwin abstained) and adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

Planning Commission

At its Aug. 12 meeting, the Planning Commission had an agenda that included a 3-lot resubdivision application by Doug Roy for Shanley Farms 2 at 621 Hill Road, two 8-24 referrals (demolition of the town garage on Bentley Drive and a zoning moratorium related to Public Act 25-1), and continued review of subdivision regulations. Minutes have not yet been published, so no decisions are reported.

Coming up

• **Zoning Board of Appeals** – Aug. 19, 2026: The board will decide on Stephen Graboski's application for a 61.2-foot rear yard variance to build a 12' x 14' deck at 727 Hill Road. The public hearing was closed on July 15, 2026. The board will also approve minutes from the July 15 meeting and handle routine correspondence and invoices.

Harwinton Zoning Commission Schedules Hearing on Housing Moratorium

The Harwinton Zoning Commission voted to hold a public hearing on a temporary moratorium on certain housing developments, the most consequential action taken in the past week. The hearing is set for September 21, 2026, and is intended to comply with Public Act 25-1.

Zoning Commission

At its July 27 meeting, the commission voted unanimously to schedule a public hearing for September 21, 2026, to consider a temporary moratorium on Mixed Use Development, Transit Community Middle Housing Development, and Off-Street Park Requirements. The commission also discussed potential moratoriums on data centers, battery storage, and solar facilities but deferred setting hearing dates for those items. The commission approved the minutes of its July 13, 2026, meeting unanimously, with one refrain.

Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission

The commission met on August 3, 2026, with an agenda that included an application for a 30° x 50’ barn at 46 Millbrook Lane (Michael Soliani). The body also planned to review previous meeting minutes and handle administrative items. Minutes have not yet been published, so no decisions are reported.

Harwinton Public Library Board of Directors

The library board met on August 3, 2026, to receive reports from the secretary, treasurer, and librarian, and to hear updates from the budget, property & building, fundraising, and governance committees. Minutes have not yet been published, so no decisions are reported.

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen met on August 4, 2026, with an agenda that included requests for tax refunds and a veterans exemption, along with the First Selectman’s report and public participation. No other substantive items were listed. Minutes have not yet been published, so no decisions are reported.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are scheduled in the next 14 days. The Zoning Commission’s public hearing on the housing moratorium is set for September 21, 2026.

Harwinton Selectmen approve tax abatement, refunds; Zoning Commission sets housing moratorium hearing

The Board of Selectmen approved a tax abatement for Mr. Santoro's 2025 grand list taxes on July 21, overriding recommendations from the Assessor and Tax Collector. The board also approved three tax refunds totaling $652.14 and released a driveway bond for 25 Brick Kiln Road, all by unanimous vote.

Board of Selectmen — July 21

The selectmen took several actions, all approved "All in favor":

• Abated Mr. Santoro's 2025 grand list taxes, overriding the recommendations of the Assessor and Tax Collector.
• Approved three tax refunds totaling $652.14.
• Released the driveway bond for 25 Brick Kiln Road.
• Approved a resolution allowing the First Selectman to sign EMPG Grant documents.
• Appointed Lynne Steincamp to a full seat on the Zoning Board of Appeals.
• Accepted the resignation of Peter Brazaitas from the Zoning Board of Appeals.
• Approved the June 24, 2026 regular meeting minutes.

Zoning Commission — July 27

The Commission voted unanimously to schedule a public hearing on September 21, 2026, to consider a temporary moratorium on Mixed Use Development, Transit Community Middle Housing Development, and Off-Street Park Requirements. The hearing relates to compliance with Public Act 25-1.

The board also discussed potential moratoriums on data centers, battery storage, and solar facilities but deferred setting hearing dates for those items.

The Commission approved minutes from its July 13, 2026 meeting unanimously, with one abstention recorded.

Historic District Commission — July 21

The Historic District Commission cancelled its regular meeting scheduled for July 21, 2026. A special meeting was set for July 14 to conduct a public hearing at Town Hall. The next regular meeting is tentatively planned for August 18, 2026. Minutes from these sessions have not yet been published.

Coming up

• **Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission — August 3:** The commission will review an application from Michael Soliani for a 30° x 50' barn at 46 Millbrook Lane, along with previous meeting minutes and administrative items.
• **Harwinton Public Library Board of Directors — August 3:** The board will receive reports from the secretary, treasurer, and librarian, and hear updates from the budget, property and building, fundraising, and governance committees.

Harwinton Board of Finance authorizes $85,000 for Finance Officer and HR/Finance Assistant roles

The Harwinton Board of Finance authorized $85,000 in funding for both the Finance Officer and the Human Resource Director/Finance Assistant positions at its July 9 meeting, the largest financial decision among recent town board actions.

Board of Finance

At the July 9 meeting, the Board approved the June 11, 2026 meeting minutes by a 3-0 vote with one abstention. The Board then authorized the First Selectman to fund the Finance Officer and HR Director/Finance Assistant positions at $85,000 each. A separate July 9 agenda listed routine items including ambulance association discussion, invoices, and old and new business; minutes for that agenda have not yet been published.

Zoning Commission

The Zoning Commission, meeting July 13, unanimously approved three residential construction applications with conditions:

• Granted a waiver of an engineered plan for Peter Ledda's 16' × 32' pool, pending Torrington Area Health District (TAHD) approval (unanimous).
• Approved Scott Alvarez's single-family dwelling and 10' × 20' pool, conditional on TAHD and driveway permit approval (unanimous).
• Approved Nicholas Baldwin's approximately 500 sq. ft. addition and 20' × 15' deck (unanimous).

The commission also unanimously approved the June 8 meeting minutes, amended the agenda to take up Item 9, and adjourned at 8:05 p.m., all by unanimous vote.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals recorded the resignation of member Peter Brazaitis on July 13, 2026. At its July 15 meeting, the board unanimously closed the public hearing at 7:15 p.m., unanimously approved the April 22, 2026 meeting minutes, and unanimously adjourned. A variance request for a 12 × 14-foot deck at 727 Hill Road was postponed to the August 19, 2026 meeting.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission approved the minutes of its June 10, 2026 meeting on July 8. During an informal discussion with Department of Public Works Supervisor Justin Downes, the commission received a recommendation to include language encouraging underground power utilities in subdivision regulations.

Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission

The Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission met July 6 to discuss and possibly decide on Anthony Copertino's application for a 16' × 32' inground pool at 17 North Gate Drive. The agenda also included approval of June 1, 2026 meeting minutes and a review of complaints and enforcement actions. Minutes have not yet been published.

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission held a special meeting July 14 for a public hearing on an application by Peter and Kathleen Minvielle to install solar panels at 51 South Road. No other items were on the agenda. Minutes have not yet been published.

Coming up

• **Board of Selectmen — July 21, 2026:** The agenda includes a request for tax and driveway bond refunds, a veterans exemption application, and an EMPG item.
• **Historic District Commission — July 21, 2026:** This regular meeting has been cancelled. The next regular meeting is tentatively set for August 18, 2026.
• **Harwinton Public Library Board of Directors — August 3, 2026:** The board will receive reports from the secretary, treasurer, and librarian, plus committee updates on budget, property and building, fundraising, and governance.

Harwinton Planning Commission Advances Underground Utility Discussion; Zoning to Weigh Data Center, Solar Moratoriums

The Harwinton Planning Commission approved its June 10, 2026 meeting minutes and received a recommendation from Public Works Supervisor Justin Downes to add language encouraging underground power utilities in the town's subdivision regulations, according to official minutes from the July 8 meeting.

The recommendation came during an informal discussion and has not yet been adopted as a formal regulation change. It would apply to future subdivision developments in Harwinton.

Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission

The commission's July 6 agenda listed Anthony Copertino's application for a 16' x 32' inground pool at 17 North Gate Drive for discussion and possible decision. The agenda also included approval of minutes from the June 1, 2026 meeting, a review of complaints and enforcement actions, and general correspondence. Minutes from this meeting have not yet been published, so no outcome on the pool application is available.

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance met July 9 with a procedural agenda: approval of minutes from June 11, 2026, discussion of the Ambulance Association, old business, new business, supplements, invoices, and correspondence. No specific proposals or financial decisions were detailed on the agenda. Minutes have not yet been published.

Coming Up

July 13 — Zoning Commission: The commission will review several residential applications, including a single-family dwelling and 10' x 20' pool at 8 Steeple Chase Road, a 500-square-foot house addition and 20' x 15' deck at 20 Vista Drive, and a 16' x 32' inground pool application by Residential Resorts. The agenda also includes informal discussion on draft moratoriums for data centers, battery storage, and solar facilities, plus a review of Zoning Regulations dated July 1, 2025.

July 14 — Historic District Commission (Special Meeting): A public hearing is scheduled on an application by Peter and Kathleen Minvielle to install solar panels at 51 South Road. No other items are on the agenda.

July 15 — Zoning Board of Appeals: The board will review Subdivision Regulations dated May 20, 2013, including recommendations for changes to Section 4.10 and Section 4.13 regarding underground power utilities.

July 21 — Historic District Commission: The regular meeting has been cancelled. The next regular meeting is tentatively set for August 18, 2026.

Harwinton roundup: Historic District Commission picks new leaders; wetlands panel to weigh pool application

The Harwinton Historic District Commission unanimously elected Peter Brazaitis as Chair and Lindsay McCook as Vice Chair at its June 24 meeting, the most consequential decision among recent town board actions. The commission also scheduled a July 14 public hearing on a solar panel Certificate of Appropriateness application.

Historic District Commission

On June 24, the Historic District Commission elected Peter Brazaitis as Chair (unanimous) and Lindsay McCook as Vice Chair (unanimous), according to official minutes. The commission also scheduled a public hearing for July 14, 2026, on a solar panel application.

Meetings cancelled

The Zoning Commission meeting scheduled for June 22, 2026, was cancelled because a quorum could not be established. The Planning Commission meeting scheduled for June 24, 2026, was also cancelled, with no agenda items to review. Minutes for both cancelled meetings have not yet been published.

Coming up

Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission — July 6, 2026. The commission will discuss and possibly decide on Anthony Copertino's application for a 16' x 32' inground pool at 17 North Gate Drive. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from the June 1, 2026 meeting, a review of complaints and enforcement actions, and general correspondence.

Planning Commission — July 8, 2026. The agenda is largely procedural, with no public hearings or major votes scheduled. The commission will review the town's 2013 subdivision regulations with the Department of Public Works supervisor and discuss state-mandated training requirements under Public Act 21-29 for land use commissions. Members will also approve minutes from the June 10 meeting.

Historic District Commission — July 14, 2026. The commission will hold a special meeting and public hearing on an application by Peter and Kathleen Minvielle to install solar panels at 51 South Road. No other items are on the agenda.

Historic District Commission Elects Leaders, Schedules Hearing on Solar Panels

The Harwinton Historic District Commission elected new officers and scheduled a public hearing for a solar panel application during its June 24 meeting, the only one of three scheduled town meetings to take place over the past two weeks. Two other commissions cancelled sessions.

Historic District Commission

The commission unanimously elected Peter Brazaitis as chair and Lindsay McCook as vice chair at its June 24 meeting. The board also voted to set a public hearing for July 14 on an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install solar panels at 51 South Road, submitted by Peter and Kathleen Minvielle. No other business was conducted.

Cancellations

The Zoning Commission cancelled its June 22 meeting because a quorum could not be established. The Planning Commission also cancelled its June 24 meeting, citing no agenda items to review.

Coming up

Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission – July 6

The commission will consider Anthony Copertino’s application for a 16-foot by 32-foot inground pool at 17 North Gate Drive. Members will also review meeting minutes from June 1, complaints and enforcement actions, and general correspondence.

Planning Commission – July 8

The agenda includes a review of the town’s 2013 subdivision regulations with the Department of Public Works supervisor and a discussion of state-mandated training requirements for land use commissions under Public Act 21-29. Approval of June 10 meeting minutes is also listed.

Historic District Commission – July 14

The commission will hold a special meeting for a public hearing on the solar panel application at 51 South Road. No other items are on the agenda.