Torrington meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Torrington Council approves $6M brownfield grant application; plow truck purchase tabled

The Torrington City Council unanimously approved a resolution to apply for up to $6 million in state brownfield grants for demolition at the Stone-Hendy property at its Aug. 17 meeting. The council also approved revisions to four city ordinances, authorized a settlement in a tax assessment lawsuit, and allocated cannabis revenue funds.

City Council actions

The council approved revisions to Chapter 85 (Building Construction), Chapter 158 (Peddling and Soliciting), Chapter 187 (Property Tax Relief for Elderly Homeowners), and Chapter 114-1 (Zoning/Subdivision fees). All votes were unanimous.

Council members also unanimously:

• Authorized a settlement agreement in the Torrington Plaza tax assessment appeal.
• Approved mayoral appointments.
• Allocated $50,000 to the Police Activities League and $34,767 to the Torrington Youth Service Bureau from cannabis revenue.
• Adopted a resolution to apply for a $6 million brownfield demolition grant for the Stone-Hendy property.

A separate public hearing on the four ordinance revisions was held earlier that day. No members of the public spoke, and the hearing closed after three minutes. No decisions were made at the hearing.

Vehicle Replacement Advisory Board

At its Aug. 12 meeting, the board unanimously approved an additional $6,764.02 for refurbishment of Sweeper Unit #58 by Tri State Equipment, and a $10,600 automatic greaser system from Lubrication Technologies. The board tabled a proposal to purchase three 2027 International HV507 plow trucks from Allegiance Trucks for $795,000 via a five-year lease, pending a vehicle replacement plan and inventory. Mayor Spino suggested purchasing one truck now, but the board voted to table the item.

Other recent meetings

The Board of Finance met Aug. 18 to consider a settlement in the Torrington Plaza tax appeal, updates to the police outside duty funds policy, and budget amendments. Minutes were not yet published.

The Planning and Zoning Commission met Aug. 19 to deliberate on a proposed gas station, retail store, and car wash at 472-486 East Main Street. No decisions were reported. The commission also set public hearing dates for several other applications.

The Coe Memorial Park Committee met Aug. 19 to review a landscaping contract, discuss Christmas tree lighting, and assess storm damage from July 5. The Charter Revision Commission met Aug. 20 with no specific items listed. The Fair Rent Commission meeting scheduled for Aug. 20 was cancelled.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are scheduled in the next 14 days.

Torrington approves $856K in fire truck purchases; council hires HR director

Torrington officials this week approved the purchase of two fire trucks — a new pumper for $776,042 and a used 2004 Ferrara pumper for $80,000 — after the Board of Finance, City Council, and Board of Public Safety each voted unanimously. The new truck replaces Engine 4, which was taken out of service after being deemed unsafe.

Fire truck purchases

The Board of Finance on Aug. 3 unanimously approved both purchases and authorized the mayor to negotiate and execute contracts for the new HME Pumper from MES. The City Council on the same day approved the new pumper for $776,042 and the used 2004 Ferrara Pumper from New Hartford for $80,000. The Board of Public Safety on Aug. 5 also unanimously approved both, with the new truck under a 7-year lease and the used truck designated as a reserve. The Board of Public Safety noted the new pumper includes approximately $50,000 in additional equipment.

Other City Council actions

At its Aug. 3 meeting, the City Council unanimously:

• Appointed Jaime LaMere as HR Director.
• Approved a Local 424 contract extension through June 30, 2031.
• Approved T2 Systems parking enforcement software for $54,836.25.
• Approved a $33,135.41 payment to Tighe & Bond for a sewer project.
• Approved a firefighter PPE contract extension for $43,270.
• Scheduled four public hearings for Aug. 17, 2026.

Board of Public Safety actions

On Aug. 5, the Board of Public Safety unanimously approved:

• Police uniform and equipment contracts totaling $110,372 via State/MHEC contracts.
• The T2 Systems parking enforcement software for $54,836.25 over 3 years.
• A contract extension for 10 sets of firefighter PPE from Firematic Supply Co. for $43,270.
• Acceptance of Officer Jessica Persechino as a regular police officer effective Aug. 15, 2026.
• Acceptance of Officer Nicholas Sprugas as a regular police officer effective Aug. 18, 2026.
• Police and fire department reports for May and June 2026.

Vehicle Replacement Advisory Board

On Aug. 12, the board unanimously approved an additional $6,764.02 for Sweeper Unit #58 refurbishment by Tri State Equipment and a $10,600 automatic greaser system by Lubrication Technologies. The board tabled a proposal to purchase three 2027 International HV507 plow trucks from Allegiance Trucks for $795,000 via a five-year lease, pending a vehicle replacement plan and inventory. Mayor Spino suggested purchasing one truck now, but the board voted to table the item.

Other meetings

The Inland Wetlands Commission held a public hearing on Aug. 4 for a proposal at 2904 Winsted Road involving earth materials storage and processing, a 31’ x 40’ garage addition, demolition of a 1,524 sq ft barn, and a 2,500 sq ft wetlands restoration area. No decisions were reported. The Parks & Recreation Commission met Aug. 5 to discuss budget items with the Director of Public Works, Coe Memorial Park rules, and the Elise Besse Park fish stocking program. The Charter Revision Commission met Aug. 6 on a procedural agenda.

Coming up

• **Aug. 17 — City Council:** Public hearing on amendments to Chapters 85 (building), 158 (peddling), 187 (elderly tax relief), and 114-1 (zoning fees). The council will also vote on those code changes, a tax settlement in Torrington Plaza, LLC v. City of Torrington, a $6,000,000 brownfield remediation grant application and $200,000 assessment grant for the Stone-Hendy project, a $53,000 paving contract for pump stations, $34,325.24 in WPCA payments, and allocations of $50,000 to the Police Activity League and $34,767 to the Torrington Youth Service Bureau from cannabis revenue.
• **Aug. 18 — Board of Finance:** Vote on the Torrington Plaza tax settlement, updates to the police outside duty funds policy, FY 25-26 budget amendments and transfers, and acceptance of city and Board of Education budget performance reports.
• **Aug. 20 — Charter Revision Commission:** Regular meeting (procedural agenda).

Torrington boards weigh fire truck purchases, pension letters, and more

Torrington's City Council and Board of Public Safety are set to consider several high-cost equipment purchases, including two fire pumper trucks, according to agendas for meetings held the week of Aug. 3. Minutes have not yet been published, so no decisions have been reported. The following items were on the agendas of recent meetings.

Fire and police equipment

The City Council, meeting Aug. 3, and the Board of Public Safety, meeting Aug. 5, both listed the purchase of a new HME Pumper truck for $776,042 plus approximately $50,000 in equipment, and the purchase of a 2004 Ferrara Pumper from the New Hartford Fire Department for $80,000. The Board of Public Safety also considered Police Department uniforms and equipment for FY26/27 in the amount of $110,372, a T2 Systems parking enforcement and permit management software contract for $54,836.25 over three years, and a contract extension with Firematic Supply Co. Inc. for 10 sets of PPE totaling $43,270. The City Council separately listed a payment of $33,135.41 to Tighe & Bond for the Albert St. Sewer Upgrade Project and a contract for T2 Systems parking enforcement software in the amount of $54,836.25. The council also planned to vote on scheduling four public hearings for Aug. 17 regarding amendments to city ordinance chapters 85, 158, 187, and 114-1, and to review a contract extension for Local 424 Unit 78 UPSEU.

Pension letters

The Joint Board of Finance and Board of Trustees met Aug. 3 to review revised pension letters for five individuals: Beecher, Brennan, Davies, Klonoski, and Lettieri. No other items were listed on that agenda.

Wetlands hearing

The Inland Wetlands Commission held a public hearing Aug. 4 regarding a proposal at 2904 Winsted Road for earth materials storage and processing. The agenda also included a proposed 31' x 40' addition to an existing garage, demolition of a 1,524 sq ft barn, and a proposed 2,500 sq ft wetlands restoration area to mitigate a drainage pipe extension. The commission also planned to approve minutes from its July 7 meeting.

Parks and recreation

The Parks & Recreation Commission met Aug. 5 at the Torrington Armory. Agenda items included a capital/budget discussion with Jamie Sykora, Director of Public Works; an update on Coe Memorial Park rules and project progress; the Elise Besse Park fish stocking program; and facility and parks operations updates from Scott Connor, Facilities Director, and Tim Cote, Parks Director.

Architectural review

The Architectural Review Committee met July 30 to consider a signage rebranding proposal for Planet Fitness at 675 Main Street and to approve minutes from its July 23 meeting.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are listed in the next 14 days.

Torrington Board of Finance denies $992,285 school capital request; settlements authorized

The Torrington Board of Finance unanimously denied a request to use $992,285.51 from the Board of Education 313 Capital Reserve Fund at its July 21 meeting, marking the most consequential decision in a busy two weeks of city business.

Board of Finance: Lawsuit settlements and budget actions

The Board of Finance voted unanimously to authorize the mayor to enter settlement agreements in three pending litigation cases: Connecticut CVS Pharmacy, LLC v. City of Torrington; Target Corporation v. City of Torrington; and SL Torrington LLC & GG Torrington LLC v. City of Torrington. Settlement terms were not included in the available minutes.

The board also unanimously approved FY 26/27 vehicle replacement transfers and FY 26/27 budget transfer requests, accepted the City Capital Reserve reconciliation through June 30, 2026, and accepted City Budget Performance Reports through June 30, 2026.

City Council: Settlements, contracts, and Main Street planning

The City Council's July 20 agenda listed votes to authorize the same three settlement agreements, along with several contract awards. These include a three-year Labor Counsel Services contract to Berchem Moses PC and a Tree Trimming and Removal Services contract to Distinctive Tree Care, LLC. The council was also scheduled to consider a $200,000 grant-funded Activate Main Street BAR Planning Project contract with Pirie Associates, requiring a $20,000 city matching contribution. Minutes for this meeting have not yet been published, so outcomes are not confirmed.

The council agenda also included WPCA payments totaling more than $250,000 across multiple invoices: Wright Pierce Engineering ($1,642.88, $1,650.51, and $11,277.73), Yield Industries ($52,850.00, $43,200.00, $128,300.00, and $13,470.00), and Tighe & Bond ($10,609.08).

Small Cities Committee: Home repair funding votes

The Small Cities Committee was scheduled to vote on three homeowner repair projects totaling $65,218.93 on July 20. The projects include $11,138.93 for roofing and gutters on Project #143-PI-56 (M. Presbie), $19,080.00 for roofing, gutters, doors, carpentry, and painting on Project #143-PI-57 (D. Dunlap), and $35,000.00 for roofing, doors, carpentry, cabinets, and masonry on Project #143-PI-61 (A. Decker). Minutes have not yet been published.

Ordinance Committee: Building, peddling, tax relief amendments

The Ordinance Committee's July 20 agenda included discussion of amendments to Chapter 85 (building construction, alteration, renovation, demolition), Chapter 158 (peddling and soliciting), and Chapter 187 (property tax relief for certain elderly homeowners), per a memorandum from corporation counsel Kalinowski. The committee also planned to discuss Chapter 170 (sewers) based on WPCA city charter change requests and Chapter 114-1 fee schedules for zoning, subdivision, and a new Section 114.7 for inland wetlands applications, per a memo from city planner Jeremy Leifert. Minutes have not yet been published.

Architectural Review Committee: Signage reviews

The Architectural Review Committee met twice, reviewing a building signage proposal from Torrington Self Storage at 44 Battell Street on July 23 and a signage rebranding proposal for Planet Fitness at 675 Main Street on July 30. Minutes have not yet been published for either meeting.

Coming up

• **Aug. 3 — City Council (joint with Board of Finance and Board of Trustees):** Review of revised pension letters for Beecher, Brennan, Davies, Klonoski, and Lettieri.
• **Aug. 3 — City Council/WPCA:** Votes on a new HME Pumper truck for $776,042 plus approximately $50,000 in equipment, purchase of a 2004 Ferrara Pumper from New Hartford Fire Department for $80,000, a $33,135.41 payment to Tighe & Bond for the Albert St. Sewer Upgrade Project, a $54,836.25 T2 Systems parking enforcement software contract, and scheduling four public hearings for August 17 on ordinance amendments to Chapters 85, 158, 187, and 114-1.
• **Aug. 4 — Inland Wetlands Commission:** Public hearing for a proposal at 2904 Winsted Road involving earth materials storage and processing, a 31' x 40' garage addition, demolition of a 1,524 sq ft barn, and a 2,500 sq ft wetlands restoration area.
• **Aug. 5 — Board of Public Safety:** Votes on the HME Pumper purchase, the Ferrara Pumper, $110,372 in police uniforms and equipment for FY26/27, the T2 Systems software contract, and a $43,270 contract extension with Firematic Supply Co. Inc. for 10 sets of PPE.

Torrington roundup: Wetlands panel extends hearing; City Council set to vote on lawsuit settlements and $200,000 Main Street project

The Inland Wetlands Commission was the only Torrington body to issue final decisions over the past two weeks, granting a 35-day extension on a Winsted Road wetlands project and transferring a Lisle Street home application to an enforcement officer for review. Several other boards met or are scheduled to meet on agenda items only, with minutes not yet published.

Inland Wetlands Commission — July 7

The commission unanimously approved its June 2, 2026 minutes and granted a 35-day extension for the Winsted Road wetlands project, continuing the public hearing to August 4, 2026. Commissioners also voted unanimously to transfer the 101 Lisle Street single-family home application to Nardi-Cyrus for an agent determination, with conditions requiring revised plans. The meeting adjourned at 7:27 p.m. All votes were unanimous.

Architectural Review Committee — July 9

The committee was scheduled to review a marquee signage request at Kidspace, 61 Main Street, and a proposal by James Dimeo to construct a gas station and convenience store at 478 E. Main Street. Members were also set to vote on approving June 4, 2026 minutes. Minutes from this meeting have not yet been published, so no outcomes are available.

Planning & Zoning Commission — July 15

The commission was scheduled to hold public hearings on a proposed gas station, retail store with drive-thru, and car wash at 472-486 East Main Street and 19 Hillside Avenue, as well as a 2-lot resubdivision at 89 Commercial Boulevard. The agenda also listed zoning regulation amendments covering parking (Section 5.13), mixed-use and multi-family housing (Sections 2.2, 3.1, and 6.8), and new business including an 18,000-gallon propane tank installation at 62 Broad Street, a handicap parking space upgrade at 910 East Main Street, and retaining wall repairs at Torrington Fair Plaza. Minutes have not yet been published.

Charter Revision Commission — July 16

The commission was scheduled to approve July 2, 2026 minutes and review charter sections Title III and Title IV, with other business to follow. Minutes have not yet been published.

Coming up

• **Small Cities Committee, July 20** — Vote on three home repair projects totaling $65,218.93: $11,138.93 for roofing and gutters (Project #143-PI-56, M. Presbie), $19,080.00 for roofing, gutters, doors, carpentry, and painting (Project #143-PI-57, D. Dunlap), and $35,000.00 for roofing, doors, carpentry, cabinets, and masonry (Project #143-PI-61, A. Decker).
• **City Council, July 20** — Vote on authorizing the mayor to settle three pending lawsuits: Connecticut CVS Pharmacy v. City of Torrington (661 Main Street), Target Corporation v. City of Torrington (1922 East Main Street), and SL Torrington LLC & GG Torrington LLC v. City of Torrington (Torrington Fair Plaza and related addresses). The council will also consider a $200,000 grant-funded Activate Main Street BAR Planning Project with Pirie Associates, requiring a $20,000 city match, plus WPCA payments totaling more than $250,000 and contract awards for labor counsel, tree trimming, and on-call electrical services.
• **Ordinance Committee, July 20** — Discussion of amendments to chapters covering building construction (85), peddling and soliciting (158), elderly property tax relief (187), sewers (170), and zoning/subdivision/inland wetlands fee schedules (114-1 and new 114.7).
• **Conservation Commission, July 21** — Approval of June 23, 2026 minutes; no other substantive items listed.
• **Board of Finance, July 21** — Vote on the same three lawsuit settlements, plus use of $992,285.51 from the Board of Education 313 Capital Reserve Fund per Superintendent Michael J. Wilson's letter, and FY 26/27 budget transfers for vehicle replacement and other amendments.

Torrington roundup: Bridge grant vote, park approvals, and two boards weigh East Main Street gas station

The Torrington City Council is set to vote on a $4.1 million state grant application for the East Albert Street Bridge renovation, the largest dollar item in this week's batch of city meetings. The council will also consider a seasonal portable toilet rental contract for recreation services.

City Council — June 29

The council's agenda includes Resolution #143-303, which would authorize an application for a $4,111,200 FY26 Bridge Investment Program grant for the East Albert Street Bridge. The grant requires a 20% local match of $822,240, which would come from the FY28 capital budget. The council will also vote on awarding a portable toilet rental contract (REP # PTR-038) to CT Potty Rentals LLC for the 2026-2027 recreation season. Minutes from this meeting have not yet been published, so outcomes are not yet confirmed.

Parks & Recreation Commission — July 1

The commission took action on several items, all by unanimous vote. Members approved the June 3, 2026 meeting minutes, approved use of the Sue Grossman Greenway for a Walk for Breastfeeding event on August 6, 2026, and approved Mike Zaharek's contract. The commission also approved the Torrington Road Race; no vote tally was recorded for that item. No other new business was considered.

Charter Revision Commission — July 2

This was a procedural session. The agenda listed no substantive items beyond references to minutes from June 4 and June 17, 2026. Minutes have not yet been published.

Inland Wetlands Commission — July 7

The commission scheduled a public hearing for a project at 2904 Winsted Road involving earth materials storage, a garage addition, barn demolition, and a 2,500 sq ft wetland restoration area. New business includes a proposed gas station at 478 East Main Street, located within 100 feet of a piped waterway, and a proposed single-family home at 101 Lisle Street in an upland review area. The commission also planned to approve minutes from June 2, 2026. Outcomes are not yet available.

Architectural Review Committee — July 9

The committee will review a marquee signage request at Kidspace, 61 Main Street, and an application by James Dimeo to construct a gas station and convenience store at 478 E. Main Street — the same address under review by the Inland Wetlands Commission. Members will also vote on approving the June 4, 2026 meeting minutes. Outcomes are not yet available.

Coming up

The Small Cities Committee meets July 20 and will vote on three home repair projects totaling $65,218.93: $11,138.93 for roofing and gutters on Project #143-PI-56 (M. Presbie); $19,080.00 for roofing, gutters, doors, carpentry, and painting on Project #143-PI-57 (D. Dunlap); and $35,000.00 for roofing, doors, carpentry, cabinets, and masonry on Project #143-PI-61 (A. Decker).

City Council set to vote on $4.1M East Albert Street Bridge grant application

The Torrington City Council was scheduled June 29 to vote on applying for a $4.1 million state grant to renovate the East Albert Street Bridge, the largest dollar item on any local agenda in the past two weeks. Minutes have not yet been published, so the outcome of that vote is not confirmed.

City Council

The council's June 29 agenda included Resolution #143-303, which would authorize an application for $4,111,200 through the FY26 Bridge Investment Program for the East Albert Street Bridge renovation. The resolution also calls for a 20% local match of $822,240, drawn from the FY28 capital budget.

The council was also scheduled to award a seasonal portable toilet rental contract (REP # PTR-038) to CT Potty Rentals LLC for recreation services during the 2026-2027 season.

Because minutes are not yet published, it is not confirmed whether these items were approved.

Economic Development Commission

The Economic Development Commission met June 24 to hear updates on two ongoing projects: the police station and 100 Franklin Drive. The agenda also listed follow-up discussions on tourism signage and downtown safety and social issues, plus planning for the next community engagement session.

Minutes are not yet published, so no outcomes or details beyond the agenda items are available.

Charter Revision Commission

The Charter Revision Commission met July 2 in what appears to have been a procedural session. The agenda listed no substantive items beyond approving minutes from June 4 and June 17, 2026. No policy changes or proposals were listed.

Coming up

Inland Wetlands Commission — July 7: A public hearing is scheduled for 2904 Winsted Road, where a proposal includes earth materials storage, a garage addition, barn demolition, and a 2,500 sq ft wetland restoration area. New business includes a gas station proposal at 478 East Main Street, located within 100 feet of a piped waterway, and a single-family home at 101 Lisle Street in an upland review area. The commission will also approve minutes from June 2, 2026.

Small Cities Committee — July 20: The committee is scheduled to vote on three home repair projects totaling $65,218.93. The items are: $11,138.93 for roofing and gutters on Project #143-PI-56 (M. Presbie); $19,080.00 for roofing, gutters, doors, carpentry, and painting on Project #143-PI-57 (D. Dunlap); and $35,000.00 for roofing, doors, carpentry, cabinets, and masonry on Project #143-PI-61 (A. Decker).

City Council Weighs $4.1M Bridge Grant; Wetlands Hearing Set for Gas Station

The City Council on June 29 took up a resolution to apply for a $4.1 million state grant for the East Albert Street Bridge renovation, a project that would require an $822,240 local match from the FY28 capital budget. Other recent city meetings included an Economic Development Commission discussion of downtown safety and a Charter Revision Commission procedural session.

City Council: Bridge grant and portable toilet contract on June 29 agenda

The council’s agenda listed two action items. The first was Resolution #143-303, authorizing an application for a $4,111,200 FY26 Bridge Investment Program grant for the East Albert Street Bridge. If awarded, the grant requires a 20% local match of $822,240 from the FY28 capital budget. The second item was the award of a seasonal portable toilet rental contract (REP # PTR-038) to CT Potty Rentals LLC for the 2026-2027 recreation season. Minutes from the meeting had not been published by press time, so the outcomes of the votes were not available.

Economic Development Commission: Project updates and downtown discussion

On June 24, the Economic Development Commission received updates on the police station and 100 Franklin Drive projects. Commissioners also discussed follow-ups on tourism signage and downtown safety and social issues. The group planned its next community engagement session. As with other recent meetings, only the agenda was available; meeting minutes had not yet been released.

Charter Revision Commission: Procedural session

The Charter Revision Commission met on July 2 in what was listed as a procedural session. No substantive items appeared on the agenda beyond approving minutes from June 4 and June 17, 2026. The session did not include new business or action items.

Coming up

The Inland Wetlands Commission will meet on Tuesday, July 7. A public hearing is scheduled for a project at 2904 Winsted Road involving earth materials storage, a garage addition, barn demolition, and a 2,500-square-foot wetland restoration area. Under new business, the commission will consider a proposal for a gas station at 478 East Main Street, which lies within 100 feet of a piped waterway, and a single-family home at 101 Lisle Street in an upland review area. The commission will also approve minutes from its June 2 session.