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Preston, CT · all Preston meetings

Preston meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Plain-English weekly recaps written from official meeting records. 7 weeks available.

Weeks

Week of 2026-08-24

Preston board approves $98,234 salt shed; Riverwalk closing set for Sept. 3

The Preston Board of Selectmen unanimously approved a bid waiver to buy and install a 45-foot by 56-foot metal-frame polyethylene salt shed from ClearSpan for $98,234.03, funded by the 2024 Community Project Funding Grant. The decision came at the board's Aug. 12 meeting, the most consequential action taken by a town body in the past two weeks.

Board of Selectmen

The board voted unanimously to waive the bidding process for the salt shed purchase and installation. The project is funded by the 2024 Community Project Funding Grant. In a separate matter, the board discussed a bid waiver request for a transfer station attendant's shelter; that request was referred to the Board of Finance. The board also approved the July 22, 2026 meeting minutes as amended and entered executive session for attorney-client privileged communication, with no actions taken.

Redevelopment Agency

The Preston Redevelopment Agency met Aug. 12 and set a Sept. 3, 2026 closing date for the conveyance of the Riverwalk property to the Tribe, pending resolution of three easements. The agency reviewed financial closeouts, noted a $1.6 million TRIP grant for Roosevelt Ave, and discussed stormwater permit issues that must be resolved before conveyance. No formal votes were taken on these items; the only votes were to approve the July 22, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous), enter executive session to discuss Riverwalk negotiations (unanimous), and adjourn at 8:00 P.M. (unanimous). No motions or actions were taken in executive session.

Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission

The Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission approved a site work application for underground utilities within 100 feet of wetlands at 10 Radler Road, with a standard $1,000 bond. The board also approved the July 21 regular meeting minutes as amended and the July 25 site walk minutes as presented. All votes were unanimous.

Other recent meetings

The Preston Board of Education met Aug. 10 to review the FY26 financial report and FY27 budget, both requiring board votes, but minutes have not yet been published. The Zoning Board of Appeals cancelled its Aug. 10 meeting due to lack of business. The Housing Authority met Aug. 13 to discuss a CHFA grant, but minutes are not yet published. The Water Pollution Control Authority met Aug. 17 to discuss sewer fees, a $400,000 Connecticut Bond Commission award, and a proposed sewer maintenance contract; minutes are not yet published.

Coming up

Week of 2026-08-10

Preston Planning & Zoning Commission agrees to draft cluster subdivision regulations

Preston's Planning and Zoning Commission took a step toward new cluster subdivision regulations at its July 28 meeting, agreeing to have the town planner draft proposed rules for future consideration. The commission also approved its June 23 meeting minutes with a 6-0-1 vote.

Planning & Zoning Commission

The commission reviewed conceptual examples of cluster subdivisions, which are designed to preserve farmland and reduce infrastructure costs. Members agreed that the Town Planner can begin drafting regulations for future review. No vote was recorded on this agreement beyond the minutes approval.

Conservation & Agricultural Commission

At its July 27 meeting, the Conservation and Agricultural Commission approved the creation of a new sign with the town logo for use at upcoming events. The commission also approved the minutes from its June 22 regular meeting. Members additionally discussed plans for the Walktober Bio Blitz and the Scarecrow Festival.

Other meetings

The Democratic Town Committee met July 27 to discuss campaigns and primaries for State Senate, State House, and Governor, along with proposed bylaw amendments and a treasurer's report. Minutes have not yet been published.

The Sustainability Team met July 29 to review its recent Silver Certification and plan steps toward Gold Certification. The agenda included setting equity toolkits targeted for Gold, a presentation to the Board of Selectmen on the Silver Certification, and an update on the Sustainable CT Board vacancy. A 15-minute public comment period was also listed.

Cancellations

Several meetings were canceled during the period:

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are listed in the next 14 days.

Week of 2026-08-03

Preston Boards Act on Grant Eligibility, Wetland Permits, and Subdivision Regulations

Preston's boards and commissions took action across several meetings in late July, with the Board of Selectmen locking in four years of state grant eligibility and the Inland Wetlands Commission approving permits for a 10-lot subdivision and a residential addition.

Board of Selectmen opts into STEAP Grant Program

The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved opting into the Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP), authorizing Sandra Allyn-Gauthier to execute the necessary documents. The action keeps Preston eligible for STEAP grants over the next four years. The board also received a report that the town achieved a Silver Certificate from Sustainable Connecticut. Members unanimously approved the June 24, 2026, regular meeting minutes.

Inland Wetlands Commission approves two permits, schedules site walk

The Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission approved inland wetland permit #2026-07 for a 10-lot subdivision at 63 Branch Hill Road and permit #2026-08a for a porch and garage at 38 Lakeview Drive. The commission determined that permit #2026-10 at 2 North Shore Road qualified as a right of maintenance and returned the application fee. A $1,000 bond for IW#2024-15 (Dawn Smith Poiurier) was released.

The commission scheduled a site walk for application IW #2026-09 at 10 Radler Road for July 25 at 9:00 a.m., following resident concerns about drainage. The walk was conducted on July 25 to gather information; no formal decisions were made. The commission also approved June 2026 IW Agent mileage and cell phone reimbursement of $95.40 and approved the June 16, 2026, regular meeting minutes.

Planning & Zoning moves toward cluster subdivision regulations

The Planning & Zoning Commission reviewed conceptual examples of cluster subdivisions, which are designed to preserve farmland and reduce infrastructure costs. Members agreed that the Town Planner can begin drafting proposed regulations for future consideration. The commission approved the June 23, 2026, meeting minutes with one correction, by a 6-0-1 vote.

WPCA discusses $400,000 Bond Commission award

The Water Pollution Control Authority unanimously approved the June 15, 2026, meeting minutes. Members discussed sewer connection fees for construction trailers and provided updates on a $400,000 Bond Commission award. No other substantive actions were taken.

Other boards and commissions

The Redevelopment Agency unanimously approved its July 8, 2026, meeting minutes. Members discussed financial updates, DOT mowing practices for pollinator conservation, and the status of environmental documents and sewer easement agreements.

The Conservation & Agricultural Commission approved creation of a new sign with the town logo for use at upcoming events and approved its June 22, 2026, regular meeting minutes. Members discussed plans for the Walktober Bio Blitz and the Scarecrow Festival.

The Board of Education held a training workshop facilitated by Nick Caruso of CABE. No other business items were listed.

The Sustainability Team's July 23 meeting was cancelled. A special meeting was held July 29 at Preston Ridge Vineyard to review the town's Silver Certification, plan steps toward Gold Certification, discuss equity toolkits, and receive an update on the Sustainable CT Board vacancy.

The Parks & Recreation Commission's July 28 meeting was canceled due to a lack of quorum; no business was conducted.

The Democratic Town Committee met July 27 to discuss 2026 campaigns and primaries for State Senate, State House, and Governor, along with proposed bylaw amendments and a treasurer's report. Minutes have not yet been published.

Coming up

All three meetings scheduled in the next two weeks have been canceled. The Republican Town Committee's August 4 meeting is canceled; its next meeting is September 1. The Municipal Facilities Building Needs and Assessment Advisory Group's August 5 meeting is canceled; the next regular meeting is September 2 at 6:00 p.m. in the Town Hall Lower-Level Conference Room. The Board of Education Finance Committee's August 6 meeting is also canceled.

Week of 2026-07-20

Preston sets mill rate at 25.52, approves $15.4M school budget

Preston's Board of Finance has unanimously set the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 mill rate at 25.52 mills, following a referendum where voters approved the $15,422,640 Board of Education budget.

Board of Finance and Referendum

The Board of Finance met on July 9 and approved the corrected minutes from the June 18 meeting unanimously. After receiving the referendum results, the Board set the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 mill rate at 25.52 mills, also by a unanimous vote. The meeting was recessed and later adjourned by unanimous motions.

Voters previously approved the Board of Education's $15,422,640 budget for FY 2026-2027 in a referendum held July 9 at Preston Plains Middle School. The budget passed 312-223. A special town meeting to adopt the budget was held on June 25 at Preston Veterans' Memorial School, and absentee ballots were made available at the Town Clerk's Office.

Redevelopment Agency

The Preston Redevelopment Agency held a regular meeting on July 8 focused on administrative updates, financial reviews, and planning for Parcel 4. Members discussed grant progress, ongoing site inspections, and a potential timeline for the property sale and closing event. No substantive policies, contracts, or zoning changes were voted on. The Agency unanimously approved the June 10, 2026 meeting minutes and adjourned the meeting at 7:44 P.M. by a unanimous vote.

Other Meetings and Cancellations

The Preston Republican Town Committee met on July 7 to review State Central and Treasurer reports. The committee discussed a letter to the Selectwoman regarding speed camera usage, set a date for a July/August 2026 RTC event, and noted a donation to the Preston RTC.

Several meetings were cancelled over the past two weeks. The Board of Selectmen's July 8 regular meeting was cancelled; its next meeting is scheduled for July 22 at 6:00 PM at the Preston Town Hall, Lower-Level Conference Room. The Board of Finance's July 16 meeting was also cancelled, as was the Zoning Board of Appeals' July 13 meeting due to a lack of business. The Preston Board of Education's Finance Committee meeting scheduled for July 9 was cancelled and indicated to be rescheduled.

The Board of Education held several special meetings on July 13. One agenda included a public comment session, approval of June 4 minutes, and a review of financial reports at the Preston Plains Library. Another was an executive session to discuss collective bargaining negotiations and review the superintendent's performance. A third meeting was scheduled to discuss the FY26 financial report, vote on the FY27 budget, vote on CSEA contract approval, and discuss DRIP and PURA Grants. Minutes for these meetings have not yet been published.

The Preston Housing Authority rescheduled its July 9 meeting to July 15 at 3:00 p.m. The agenda for the July 15 meeting included old business regarding a CHFA Grant, new business regarding a base rent increase, an executive session, a treasurer's report, and a public comment period. Minutes for this meeting have not yet been published.

Coming Up

Week of 2026-07-13

Preston school board advances electric bus planning; budget referendum results pending

The Preston Board of Education's Transportation Sub-Committee reviewed a Green Bank report on transitioning to electric school buses at its June 30 meeting, identifying a July 15, 2026 PURA grant application deadline and determining the capital plan must be reworked to account for grant funding and vehicle replacements.

Board of Education: Electric Bus Transition

The committee discussed the Green Bank report in light of a state mandate requiring 50% electric buses by 2035. Members identified the PURA grant application deadline as July 15, 2026, and determined the capital plan must be reworked to include charging infrastructure. No votes were recorded in the available minutes; the items reflect discussion and determinations by the committee.

Redevelopment Agency

The Preston Redevelopment Agency met July 8 and approved the June 10, 2026 meeting minutes unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:44 P.M. by unanimous vote. Members discussed grant progress, ongoing site inspections, and a potential timeline for the Parcel 4 property sale and closing event. No contracts, policies, or zoning changes were voted on.

School Budget Referendum

A special town meeting was held June 25 at Preston Veterans' Memorial School to consider adopting the Board of Education's $15,422,640 budget for FY 2026-2027. A referendum vote was scheduled for July 9 at Preston Plains Middle School from 12 PM to 8 PM, with absentee ballots available at the Town Clerk's Office. Results were not available as of this report.

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance was scheduled to meet July 9 to set the mill rate for the 2026-2027 budget, contingent on passage of the referendum. The agenda also included approval of June 18 minutes, reports from the First Selectperson and Finance Director, and public comment sessions with a 3-minute limit per speaker.

Cancelled Meetings

Several meetings were cancelled during the period. The Municipal Facilities Building Needs and Assessment Advisory Group's July 1 meeting was cancelled; its next regular meeting is August 5, 2026. The Board of Selectmen's July 8 regular meeting was cancelled; the next meeting is July 22 at 6:00 PM in the Preston Town Hall Lower-Level Conference Room. The Board of Education Finance Committee's July 9 meeting was cancelled and will be rescheduled. The Housing Authority's July 9 meeting was rescheduled to July 15 at 3:00 p.m.

Coming Up

Week of 2026-07-06

Preston PZC approves zoning changes for state housing law; school budget referendum set for July 9

Preston's Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously approved a package of zoning amendments this week to bring the town into compliance with a new state housing growth law, while voters are set to decide a $15.4 million school budget at a July 9 referendum.

Planning & Zoning adopts housing-growth zoning changes

The Planning & Zoning Commission approved Zoning Text Amendment #2026-05 unanimously on June 23, updating local zoning to comply with Public Act 25-1. The changes allow mixed-use development and multifamily units above commercial space in village districts, revise parking requirements, and remove minimum residence square footage requirements.

The commission also approved several site plans the same evening:

The commission tabled the Zoning Enforcement Officer report until its July meeting.

Board of Selectmen repurposes $45,000 for Senior Center bathroom renovations

The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously June 24 on three resolutions: accepting a Community Investment Fund 2030 Round 8 grant, repurposing $45,000 in CDBG program income for Senior Center bathroom renovations to remove barriers, and activating a new veteran exemption calculation under CGS 12-81(83). The board also approved two tax refunds totaling $341.21 — one for $233.89 and one for $107.32 — both unanimously.

Parks & Recreation awards $500 in recreation scholarships

The Parks & Recreation Commission approved $500 for recreation scholarships by motion on June 23. The commission also unanimously approved its March 24 meeting minutes and accepted the treasurer's report. Updates on park projects, grants, and community events were discussed.

School board reviews electric bus transition plan

The Board of Education's Transportation Sub-Committee discussed a Green Bank report on June 30 outlining the transition to electric school buses to meet a state mandate of 50% electric buses by 2035. The committee identified a PURA grant application deadline of July 15, 2026, and determined the capital plan must be reworked to account for grant funding and vehicle replacements. No votes were taken on these items.

Conservation commission reviews preserve phases, Russian olive removal

The Conservation & Agricultural Commission discussed updates on the Mary Dora Woodland Preserve on June 22, including Phase 2 trail signage, plant inventory, and pollinator/habitat areas, as well as Phase 3 planning. The commission also reviewed a Russian olive removal project and received reports on Sustainable CT, Amos Lake Association activities, and the Tri-Town Trail Partnership. Minutes have not yet been published.

Meetings cancelled

The Democratic Town Committee's June 22 monthly meeting, the Redevelopment Agency's June 24 meeting, and the Municipal Facilities Building Needs and Assessment Advisory Group's July 1 meeting were all cancelled.

Coming up

Week of 2026-06-29

Selectmen redirect $45,000 in CDBG funds to Senior Center renovations

The Board of Selectmen on June 24 unanimously approved repurposing $45,000 in Community Development Block Grant program income to fund barrier-removal renovations at the Preston Senior Center. The resolution, along with three other measures, passed without dissent.

Board of Selectmen

In addition to the CDBG reallocation, the board unanimously accepted a Community Investment Fund 2030 Round 8 grant, activated a new calculation for a veterans’ property tax exemption under state law, and approved two tax refunds totaling $341.21 ($233.89 and $107.32). All votes were unanimous.

Planning and Zoning

Meeting on June 23, the Planning & Zoning Commission took several unanimous actions. Members adopted zoning text amendment #2026-05 to comply with Public Act 25-1, allowing mixed-use development, multifamily units above commercial spaces in village districts, revised parking standards, and the removal of minimum residential square footage requirements.

The commission also approved a site plan for improvements at the Preston Transfer Station; a zoning permit for an accessory apartment at 21 Northwest Corner Road; and a site plan and coastal site plan for modifications to the SCRRRA composting facility. On the composting facility vote, the tally was 7–0–1, with member Fred Eddy abstaining. The zoning enforcement officer’s report was tabled until the July meeting.

Parks and Recreation

On June 23, the Parks & Recreation Commission voted to allocate $500 for Recreation Scholarships. The commission also approved the March 24 meeting minutes and accepted the treasurer’s report, both on unanimous votes. Other discussion items included updates on park projects, grants, and community events.

School Budget and Upcoming Referendum

Voters will decide a $15,422,640 Board of Education budget for fiscal year 2026–2027 at a referendum on July 9, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Preston Plains Middle School. Absentee ballots are available in the Town Clerk’s office. A special town meeting to discuss the budget was held June 25.

Separately, on June 30, the Board of Education’s Transportation Sub-Committee reviewed a Green Bank report on transitioning to electric school buses to meet a state mandate of 50% electric buses by 2035. The committee identified a July 15 deadline to apply for a Public Utilities Regulatory Authority grant and noted the capital plan must be reworked to include charging infrastructure.

Other Recent Meetings

The Conservation & Agricultural Commission on June 22 discussed the Mary Dora Woodland Preserve, including Phase 2 trail signage and plant inventory, Phase 3 planning, Russian olive removal, Sustainable CT, and Amos Lake Association activities. Minutes were not yet published.

The Democratic Town Committee’s regular June 22 meeting was cancelled. The June 24 Redevelopment Agency meeting was also cancelled. The July 1 meeting of the Municipal Facilities Building Needs and Assessment Advisory Group was cancelled; its next regular meeting is set for August 5.

Coming up

Generated from official meeting agendas and minutes — every underlying document is linked from the city page. Read the primary source before you rely on a detail.