North Branford meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

North Branford boards meet on budget, zoning, and police staffing; no major decisions

This week's North Branford government meetings were largely agenda-setting, with no major financial or land-use decisions finalized. The only formal action taken was the Veterans Service Commission's approval of its July 14 meeting minutes. Several boards met to discuss budgets, zoning requests, and personnel matters, with votes expected at future sessions.

Town Council and Water Pollution Control Authority

The joint Town Council and Water Pollution Control Authority meeting on Aug. 18 is set to consider appointing Nicole Riccitelli (D) to the Planning & Zoning Commission, replacing Chris Heon, with a term expiring May 31, 2029. The agenda also includes appointing Rory Burke to the Housing Growth Technical Advisory Committee (SCRCOG), a discussion on the North Branford Dog Park, approval of tax refunds, and a contingency appropriation for FY 2025-2026. No votes were taken at the time of the agenda.

Zoning Board of Appeals

On Aug. 17, the Zoning Board of Appeals held a public hearing on variance application #2026-4 for 175 Twin Lakes Road, seeking to allow two driveway accesses less than 300 feet apart, as required by Section 41.2.3.F. The board may act on the request after the hearing. The agenda also included approval of minutes from the July 20 meeting.

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will hold public hearings on Aug. 20 for a re-subdivision at 165 Notch Hill Road (R-80 zone) to create four residential lots, and for a zoning text amendment to comply with Connecticut Public Act 25-1. The commission will also consider requests for second driveways at 53 High Point Drive and 493 Totoket Road, and a bond release at 40 Ciro Road.

Finance Sub-committee

The Finance Sub-committee met Aug. 11 to discuss administrator salary ranges, police extra duty charges and reimbursements, the Fire Department education fund, contingency appropriations, appropriation transfers, the status of the Munis financial system for FY2026-2027, and the July 31 financial report. All items were for discussion only; no votes were scheduled.

Board of Police Commissioners

On Aug. 18, the Board of Police Commissioners held a special meeting to interview three officers for a Police Sergeant position in executive session: Officer Hannon at 5:10 PM, Officer Pane at 5:25 PM, and Corporal Cosenza at 5:40 PM. Possible action was to follow in open session.

Library Board

The Library Board held a special meeting Aug. 12 to discuss and potentially act on a social media policy, a laptop program, and an HVAC update at Smith Library. The agenda also included routine approval of minutes and reports.

Veterans Service Commission

The commission met Aug. 18 and approved the July 14, 2026 meeting minutes (all in favor). It discussed taking over Memorial Day parade planning, including a possible route change to the POCO grounds and a shift from Monday to Sunday. The commission also reviewed the Hall of Honor subcommittee status (plaques purchased, research pending) and discussed the POW/MIA Day ceremony scheduled for Sept. 18 at 10:00 a.m. on the North Branford Green. No formal votes were taken on these items.

Cancellations

Two meetings were cancelled: the Veterans Service Commission on Aug. 11 due to lack of quorum, and the Communication Sub-Committee of the Town Council and Board of Education on Aug. 12.

Coming up

• **Permanent Project Building Committee** – Aug. 24: to review insulation quotes for the Elementary School project, discuss North Branford High School updates (including green roof and tile issues), and receive a police department project update.
• **Parks & Recreation Commission** – Aug. 25: to review budget close-out, discuss parks and fields improvements, and take action on the Potato & Corn Festival.

North Branford Fire Board Creates Education Fund, Approves Ambulance Staffing Changes

The Board of Fire Commissioners voted unanimously at its Aug. 6 meeting to establish a Fire Department Education Fund and implement a new ambulance staffing schedule, among other actions. The board also approved a pension request and appropriation transfers.

Fire Board actions

The board created the Education Fund retroactive to May 1, 2026, and approved a new ambulance staffing pro-forma schedule retroactive to July 1, 2026. Both votes were unanimous. The board also approved a pension request for Vincent Romano, effective Aug. 1, 2026, and appropriation transfers totaling approximately $37,000. The June 4, 2026 meeting minutes were approved 3-0 with one abstention. The board discussed, but did not act on, a federal grant application for $818,132.62.

Other recent meetings

The Finance Sub-committee of the Town Council met Aug. 11 for discussion only. No votes were scheduled. Agenda items included administrator salary ranges, police extra duty charges and reimbursements, the Fire Department education fund, contingency appropriations, appropriation transfers, the status of the Munis financial system for FY2026-2027, and the July 31, 2026 financial report.

The Veterans Service Commission meeting scheduled for Aug. 11 was cancelled due to a lack of quorum. The Communication Sub-committee of the Town Council and Board of Education meeting scheduled for Aug. 12 was also cancelled.

The Agriculture Commission met Aug. 11 to discuss updating the town agricultural map with homestead and hobby farm stands, planning for Community Connections Day, and a flier for tractor pulls. No decisions were reported.

The Library Board held a special meeting Aug. 12 to discuss a social media policy, a laptop program, and an HVAC update at Smith Library. Minutes have not yet been published.

Coming up

• **Aug. 17 – Permanent Project Building Committee:** Review of project updates for ESL, North Branford High School, and the North Branford Police Department, including construction items and invoices.
• **Aug. 17 – Zoning Board of Appeals:** Public hearing on a variance request for 175 Twin Lakes Road to allow two driveways less than 300 feet apart.
• **Aug. 18 – Board of Police Commissioners:** Special meeting to interview three officers for a sergeant position in executive session, with possible action afterward.
• **Aug. 18 – Town Council and Water Pollution Control Authority:** Joint meeting to appoint Nicole Riccitelli to the Planning & Zoning Commission, appoint Rory Burke to the Housing Growth Technical Advisory Committee, discuss the North Branford Dog Park, and consider tax refunds and a contingency appropriation.
• **Aug. 18 – Veterans Service Commission:** Special meeting to discuss and act on the Hall of Honor sub-committee, POCO 2026, the inaugural class, and POW/MIA Day on Sept. 18, 2026.
• **Aug. 20 – Planning & Zoning Commission:** Public hearings on a re-subdivision to create four residential lots at 165 Notch Hill Road and a zoning text amendment for compliance with CT Public Act 25-1, plus requests for second driveways at 53 High Point Drive and 493 Totoket Road, and a bond release at 40 Ciro Road.

North Branford roundup: PZC approves Chase bank and three-lot re-subdivision; zoning variances and wetlands permits granted

The Planning & Zoning Commission approved a site plan for a new Chase bank tenant fit-out at 1289 Foxon Road and a re-subdivision creating three residential lots at 420 Totoket Road, both on 4-0 votes, during the busiest stretch of recent municipal meetings in North Branford.

Planning & Zoning Commission — July 23

The commission approved Site Plan #2026-5 for the Chase bank at 1289 Foxon Road, covering security lighting, landscaping, drive-thru lane changes, and a tenant fit-out. The vote was 4-0.

Commissioners also approved Re-subdivision #2026-7 to create three residential lots at 420 Totoket Road in the R-40 zone, voting 4-0. A companion motion to waive concrete curbing requirements for that project also passed 4-0.

The commission tabled minutes from its June 4, 2026 and June 18, 2026 meetings.

A separate public-hearing agenda lists three pending applications: Application #2026-7 for the 420 Totoket Road re-subdivision; Application #2026-6 to re-subdivide 165 Notch Hill Road (R-40) into four residential lots; and Application #2026-8, a zoning text amendment to align town regulations with Connecticut Public Act 25-1. The Town Planner's report indicates applications are scheduled for the regular meeting on August 20, 2026. Minutes from the public hearing have not yet been published.

Zoning Board of Appeals — July 20

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved two front setback variances for home improvements after public hearings.

• Appl. #2026-2: 59 Spruce Street — reduce front setback to 42 feet for a new porch. Approved unanimously.
• Appl. #2026-3: 99 Cedar Lake Road — reduce front setback to 23 feet for a home addition. Approved unanimously.

The board also unanimously approved minutes from its March 16, 2026 meeting.

Conservation & Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency — July 22

CIWWA approved Application #2026-2 for grading within the upland review area at 21 Beech Street, with specified conditions. The agency also approved minutes from December 17, 2025 and February 25, 2026.

Members received a presentation from the East Shore Health District regarding water quality and bacteria levels in the Farm River and Cedar Lake.

Board of Police Commissioners — July 21

The Board of Police Commissioners held a special meeting to interview police candidate Matthew Iannucci in executive session under C.G.S. 1-200(6)(A). The agenda noted possible action on the candidate in open session. Minutes have not yet been published, so no outcome is recorded here.

Permanent Project Building Committee — July 27

The committee's agenda included approval of minutes from July 13, 2026 and updates on several capital projects: the ESL project (AI Engineers, Air Temp, lighting, radiant heat panels, and SES commissioning agent); a retainage reduction discussion for North Branford High School (NBHS); a request for proposals for STWCC; and an update on the North Branford Police Department (NBPD) project. Minutes have not yet been published.

Meetings cancelled

The Blueprint Committee meeting scheduled for July 23, 2026 was cancelled. The Parks & Recreation Commission meeting scheduled for July 28, 2026 was also cancelled. No items were discussed or decided at either.

Coming up

• **Permanent Project Building Committee — August 17, 2026:** Agenda includes ESL updates (AI Engineers, SES – Cx Agent, Air Temp), NBHS discussions on Green Roof and tile issues, an NBPD project update, and review of invoices.

North Branford roundup: Project committee approves over $495,000 in invoices; Town Council set to act on Veolia sewer contract and new town manager

The Permanent Project Building Committee approved more than $495,000 in contractor invoices across three town projects at its July 13 meeting, making it the most consequential financial decision among North Branford's recent government actions.

Permanent Project Building Committee — July 13

The committee approved project invoices totaling $417,857.83 for the ESL project, $76,378.89 for the NBHS project, and $1,000.00 for the NBPD project. Members also resolved green roof items through an ATP, charging $37,686 to the CM contingency and reimbursing $76,183 to the town. The committee increased the QA+M purchase order by $15,000 and approved the June 8, 2026 meeting minutes with corrections. Members entered executive session at 6:30 p.m.

The committee rescheduled its August meetings to August 17 and August 24, 2026, and canceled the August 10 meeting.

Town Council — July 14 (agenda only; minutes not yet published)

The Town Council was scheduled to consider a five-year operations, maintenance, and management agreement with Veolia Water North America for the town's sanitary sewer system. The proposed contract carries an annual fee of $211,363 with staged price increases and includes a bid waiver.

Council members were also set to vote on appointing Scott Nicol as Town Manager at a salary of $160,000, with the residency requirement waived and an effective date of July 1, 2026. Additional agenda items included a police recruitment request, a proposed North Branford dog park, banking resolutions authorizing the Town Manager as signatory, a fixed assessment agreement for 280 Branford Road, and a financial report for June 30, 2026. No minutes have been published, so outcomes are not yet confirmed.

Veterans Service Commission — July 14

The commission approved the June 2, 2026 meeting minutes unanimously, with two abstentions. Members voted unanimously to purchase veteran parking passes costing no more than $500. The commission agreed unanimously to invite the Town Manager's Office, Public Works, Police, Mayor's Office, Memorial Day organizers, and the Town Center/Blueprint Committee to a future planning meeting for the Memorial Day Parade and related veterans' projects. Work continued on Hall of Honor nominations and a Veterans Day induction.

Solid/Hazardous Waste & Recycling Committee — July 9

The committee approved the June 11, 2026 meeting minutes and confirmed Take 2 and two Public Works staff for the July 11 E-Waste event. Members discussed a possible collaboration with SCRCOG for a compost bin and rain barrel sale in Spring 2027 and reviewed E-Waste and POCO festival recycling preparations. Member Jakubowski volunteered to chair the September 2026 meeting.

Planning & Zoning Commission — July 9 and July 16

The July 9 regular meeting was canceled. A special meeting was scheduled for July 16, at which the commission was set to hold public hearings on two re-subdivision proposals — 420 Totoket Road into 3 lots (Appl. #2026-7) and 165 Notch Hill Road into 4 lots (Appl. #2026-6) — and a zoning text amendment for CT Public Act 25-1 compliance (Appl. #2026-8). Old business included a tabled site plan for a bank fit-out at 1289 Foxon Road (Appl. #2026-5). Minutes are not yet published.

Agriculture Commission — July 14 (agenda only)

The commission was scheduled to appoint a new chair to replace Stephanie Capasso, update the Town Agricultural Map with homestead and hobby farm stands, and discuss EDC, Tractor Pull, and Community Connections Day. No budget items or ordinances were on the agenda.

Board of Education — July 16

This scheduled meeting was canceled as of July 1. No decisions or discussions took place.

Coming up

• **July 20 — Zoning Board of Appeals:** Public hearings on setback variance requests at 59 Spruce Street (Appl. #2026-2, reduce front setback to 42 feet for a new front porch) and 99 Cedar Lake Road (Appl. #2026-3, reduce front setback to 23 feet for a house addition).
• **July 22 — Conservation & Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency:** Public hearing and possible action on Application #2026-2, a grading site plan for 21 Beech Street. The East Shore Health District will present on Farm River microbiological monitoring.
• **July 23 — Planning & Zoning Commission public hearings:** Re-subdivision applications for 420 Totoket Road and 165 Notch Hill Road, a zoning text amendment for CT Public Act 25-1 compliance, and the tabled site-plan request for 1289 Foxon Road.

North Branford roundup: Most recent meetings cancelled; PZC to hold subdivision hearings July 16

Most North Branford boards and commissions did not conduct public business over the past two weeks, with four of five scheduled meetings cancelled for lack of a quorum or other reasons. Minutes have not yet been published for the one meeting that did proceed on agenda, so no official decisions can be confirmed from the record available.

Board of Education (June 30)

The Board of Education met June 30, 2026, but only the agenda is available; minutes have not yet been published. The agenda listed discussion and possible action on the superintendent's contract extension and salary, the North Branford High School (NBHS) renovation project, pending requests from the town manager, and bargaining unit negotiations. A consent agenda included resignations and appointments. Because minutes are not yet available, the town's record does not confirm what, if anything, was decided.

Meetings cancelled

Three other recent meetings were cancelled:

• **Permanent Project Building Committee** — June 29, 2026, cancelled due to lack of a quorum. No business was conducted.
• **Board of Fire Commissioners** — July 2, 2026, cancelled. No business was conducted due to insufficient attendance.
• **Planning & Zoning Commission** — July 9, 2026 regular meeting cancelled. The next regular meeting is August 20, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. in Town Hall Council Chambers, 909 Foxon Road.

Solid/Hazardous Waste & Recycling Committee (July 9)

The committee's July 9 agenda included discussion of a Recycling Card program for 2027, planning for an electronic waste collection event, a report from the Town Manager's representative, selection of a chair for the September 2026 meeting, and debate on plastic wrap recycling. Minutes are not yet published, so outcomes are not confirmed in the available record.

Coming up

Permanent Project Building Committee — July 13, 2026. The agenda includes updates on ESL (AI Engineers, Air Temp, SES – Cx Agent, and budget), NBHS (Green Roof, tile issue, and budget), a budget discussion for the North Branford Police Department, and review of June 8, 2026 meeting minutes.

Board of Education — July 16, 2026. This meeting was canceled as of July 1. No decisions or discussions will take place.

Planning & Zoning Commission — July 16, 2026 (special meeting). The commission will hold public hearings on two re-subdivision proposals: 420 Totoket Road into 3 lots (Application #2026-7) and 165 Notch Hill Road into 4 lots (Application #2026-6). A third public hearing concerns a zoning text amendment to comply with CT Public Act 25-1 (Application #2026-8). Old business includes a tabled site plan for a bank tenant fit-out at 1289 Foxon Road (Application #2026-5). The commission will also consider approval of June meeting minutes.

Residents tracking land-use decisions may want to attend the July 16 PZC special meeting, where the subdivision and zoning amendment hearings are scheduled.

North Branford meeting roundup: Quiet stretch as multiple boards cancel; PZC sets July 16 public hearings

North Branford's boards and commissions had a light two weeks, with five of seven scheduled meetings cancelled — most for lack of a quorum or lack of business. The one substantive meeting on the calendar, the Board of Education's June 30 session, included the superintendent's contract and the NBHS renovation project on its agenda, but minutes have not yet been published, so outcomes are not available.

Board of Education — June 30

The Board of Education's June 30 meeting agenda listed several significant items, but because only the agenda has been published and minutes are not yet available, it is not possible to report what, if anything, was decided.

Agenda items included:

• Superintendent's contract extension and salary — discussion and possible action
• NBHS Renovation Project — discussion
• Town manager pending requests — discussion
• Bargaining unit negotiations — discussion and possible action
• Consent agenda: resignations and appointments

Residents seeking the outcome of any votes should watch for the board's published minutes.

Cancelled meetings

Five meetings across the past two weeks were cancelled:

• **Permanent Project Building Committee** — June 22, cancelled due to lack of business; June 29, cancelled due to lack of quorum.
• **Parks & Recreation Commission** — June 23, cancelled due to lack of quorum. Official minutes confirm no business was conducted.
• **Conservation & Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency (CIWWA)** — June 24, cancelled due to lack of business.
• **Blueprint Committee** — June 25, cancelled; no items listed.
• **Board of Fire Commissioners** — July 2, cancelled for lack of quorum.

Coming up

Planning & Zoning Commission — July 16 (special meeting)

The PZC has cancelled its July 9 regular meeting but scheduled a special meeting for July 16. That session will include public hearings on:

• A re-subdivision at 420 Totoket Road into 3 lots (Appl. #2026-7)
• A re-subdivision at 165 Notch Hill Road into 4 lots (Appl. #2026-6)
• A zoning text amendment to comply with CT Public Act 25-1 (Appl. #2026-8)

The commission will also revisit a tabled site plan for a bank tenant fit-out at 1289 Foxon Road (Appl. #2026-5) and approve June meeting minutes. The next regular PZC meeting is set for August 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Hall Council Chambers, 909 Foxon Road.

Solid/Hazardous Waste & Recycling Committee — July 9

This committee will discuss a Recycling Card program for 2027, planning for an electronic waste collection event, and the POCO Festival. The agenda also includes a report from the Town Manager's representative, selection of a chair for the September 2026 meeting, and discussion of plastic wrap recycling.

Board of Education — July 16

The Board of Education's July 16 meeting has been cancelled as of July 1. No business will be conducted.

Quorum Shortages, Cancellations Dominate North Branford Government; School Board Agenda Signals Contract Talks

Nearly every scheduled government meeting in North Branford over the past two weeks was canceled due to a lack of quorum or business, leaving no finalized decisions on record. The sole exception was a Board of Education session on June 30, during which members were slated to discuss the superintendent’s contract extension and salary, but no official votes or minutes have been released.

Board of Education Meeting

The June 30 Board of Education meeting was the only gathering to proceed. According to the published agenda, items included:

• Discussion and possible action on the superintendent’s contract extension and salary.
• Discussion of the North Branford High School renovation project.
• Review of pending requests from the town manager.
• Discussion and possible action on bargaining unit negotiations.
• A consent agenda with resignations and appointments.

Because only an agenda was made available and minutes have not yet been published, no vote tallies or outcomes are known. The board’s next regularly scheduled meeting on July 16 has since been canceled.

Other Recent Meeting Cancellations

Six other municipal bodies had canceled meetings between June 22 and July 2:

• The Permanent Project Building Committee canceled sessions on June 22 and June 29, citing a lack of business and later insufficient quorum.
• The Parks & Recreation Commission failed to reach a quorum on June 23.
• The Conservation & Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency called off its June 24 meeting due to a lack of business.
• The Blueprint Committee canceled its June 25 meeting.
• The Board of Fire Commissioners canceled a July 2 meeting because of a lack of quorum.

Coming Up

The town’s quiet period will break with two notable meetings in the next two weeks.

Planning & Zoning Commission special meeting — July 16

Although the commission canceled its regular July 9 meeting, a special session is scheduled for July 16. Public hearings will be held on:

• A re-subdivision at 420 Totoket Road to create three lots (Application #2026-7).
• A re-subdivision at 165 Notch Hill Road to create four lots (Application #2026-6).
• A zoning text amendment to comply with Connecticut Public Act 25-1 (Application #2026-8).

Commissioners will also revisit a tabled site plan for a bank tenant fit-out at 1289 Foxon Road (Application #2026-5). The next regular PZC meeting is set for August 20 at 6:30 p.m. in Town Hall Council Chambers, 909 Foxon Road.

Solid/Hazardous Waste & Recycling Committee — July 9

The committee will discuss a new Recycling Card program for 2027, plan an electronic waste collection event, prepare for the POCO Festival, hear a report from the Town Manager’s representative, and select a chair for the September meeting.