Washington meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Selectmen vote to close ARPA fund; wetlands commission approves permits

The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved closing the town's ARPA fund and forwarding the action to the Board of Finance and a town meeting. The decision, made at the board's Aug. 13 meeting, is the most significant action taken in the past two weeks.

Board of Selectmen

The board voted unanimously to close the ARPA fund and forward it to the Board of Finance and a town meeting for approval. It also approved the minutes of its July 30 meeting. Reports were given on pickleball courts, the Medic-4 contract, transfer station sampling, and Region 12. The board plans to set the Oct. 5 Annual Town Meeting agenda at its Sept. 24 meeting.

Inland Wetlands Commission

The commission approved two permits at its Aug. 12 meeting:

• A pond dredging permit (IW-26-26) at 37 Old North Road, approved 5-0.
• A tree planting plan (IW-26-11) at 217 West Shore Road, approved 5-0.

A pending application for multifamily housing at 77 Wykeham Road (IW-26-31) was tabled at the applicant's request. A boat launch removal application at 63 West Shore Road (IW-26-29) was withdrawn. The commission accepted three new applications: violation correction at 36 Old Litchfield Road (IW-26-32), dock repair at 30 Tinker Hill (IW-26-35), and herbicide/tree removal at 217 West Shore Road (IW-26-34). It also approved minutes and site inspection reports 5-0.

Housing Commission

The Housing Commission met Aug. 11 and unanimously accepted the June 9 minutes. It received updates on the Baldwin Hill property, with closing expected in late August or early September and a ribbon cutting scheduled for Aug. 24, and on Judea Springs, where zoning and wetland applications are to be filed, with meetings set for Aug. 24 and 26. The commission entered executive session for real estate discussion.

Other meetings

The Sustainability Committee met Aug. 12 to discuss EV charger rates and covers, invasive species plans, business plastics, a plastic movie screening, the transfer station, and other items. No decisions were reported.

The Arts Council met Aug. 13 to plan the Harvest Fest Scarecrow (Oct. 11) and Holiday in the Depot (Dec. 11), and to discuss a possible Poet Laureate event. No major funding or policy decisions were listed.

The Economic Development Committee met Aug. 18 to hear a coordinator report and discuss old business, including the Island on Titus and the TRIP sidewalk grant, plus a new plaza directory sign.

The Historic District Commission cancelled its Aug. 17 meeting due to a lack of applications. Its next meeting is Sept. 28.

The Inland Wetlands Commission held a site walk Aug. 17 for the dock repair application at 30 Tinker Hill Road (IW-26-35).

Coming up

The Zoning Commission meets Aug. 24. It will schedule a public hearing for Sept. 28 on a petition by the Washington Club to amend zoning regulations, and discuss minor revisions related to PA-25-1 transient housing legislation. The commission will also consider its July 27 meeting minutes.

No other upcoming meetings were listed in the next 14 days.

Inland Wetlands Commission approves pond dredging and tree planting; Board of Selectmen to close ARPA fund

The Inland Wetlands Commission approved a pond dredging permit and a tree planting plan at its Aug. 12 meeting, while the Board of Selectmen is set to consider closing the town's ARPA fund account. Other commissions met to discuss planning, conservation, and community events, with several decisions made and others deferred.

Inland Wetlands Commission (Aug. 12)

The commission approved two permits, both by a 5-0 vote:

• A pond dredging permit (IW-26-26) for 37 Old North Road.
• A tree planting plan (IW-26-11) for 217 West Shore Road, addressing a prior citation.

The commission also tabled a multifamily housing application (IW-26-31) at 77 Wykeham Road at the applicant's request, and withdrew a boat launch removal application (IW-26-29) at 63 West Shore Road. New applications were accepted for violation correction at 36 Old Litchfield Road (IW-26-32), dock repair at 30 Tinker Hill (IW-26-35), and herbicide/tree removal at 217 West Shore Road (IW-26-34). Minutes and site inspection reports were approved 5-0.

Inland Wetlands Commission (Aug. 3)

Earlier, the commission approved a tree planting plan for the Hermann Residence at 217 West Shore Road, with conditions. The plan requires 2-inch caliper dogwoods planted in the meadow (not across the driveway), prohibits further herbicide spraying without a new application, and required revised planting plans by the Aug. 12 meeting. The vote was unanimous.

Conservation Commission (Aug. 5)

The Conservation Commission approved the June 3, 2026 minutes unanimously. Members agreed to exchange strategic planning ideas via email, planned to review the Plan of Conservation and Development and the NRIR report, and scheduled a vote on the 65 Gunn Hill Road conservation easement for the next meeting. No other formal decisions were made.

Planning Commission (Aug. 5)

The Planning Commission approved the July 1, 2026 minutes unanimously. It discussed a referral from the Zoning Commission regarding recreational club regulations, but took no vote. Chair Hileman will draft a response for review at the next meeting.

Other recent meetings (agenda only)

The Housing Commission met Aug. 11 via Zoom to review minutes and receive updates on Baldwin Hill Property and Judea Springs; no decisions were reported. The Sustainability Committee met Aug. 12 to discuss EV charger rates, invasive species plans, business plastics, and a transfer station update. The Arts Council met Aug. 13 to plan the Harvest Fest Scarecrow (Oct. 11) and Holiday in the Depot (Dec. 11), among other items. The Board of Selectmen met Aug. 13 to consider closing the ARPA Fund account and setting the agenda for the Oct. 5 Annual Town Meeting; minutes have not yet been published.

Coming up

• **Historic District Commission** – The Aug. 17 meeting is cancelled due to lack of applications. The next meeting is Sept. 28.
• **Inland Wetlands Commission** – A site walk for dock repair at 30 Tinker Hill Road (application IW-26-35) is scheduled for Aug. 17. This is a field inspection, not a decision-making meeting.

Zoning Commission rejects settlement in Kenney appeal

The Washington Zoning Commission voted 5-0 to reject a settlement proposal in the Kenney, et al. v. Town of Washington Zoning Commission appeal at its July 27 meeting. The board also scheduled a public hearing for a zoning amendment requested by the Washington Club and approved minutes from its June 22 meeting.

Zoning Commission

The commission's rejection of the settlement proposal was unanimous (5-0). No details of the proposal were provided in the minutes. The board also voted 3-0-2 to schedule a public hearing for September 28, 2026, on a proposed zoning amendment from the Washington Club. Minutes from the June 22, 2026 meeting were approved 5-0. Additionally, the commission agreed to change the wording in a draft related to PA-25-1 from "housing in the business district" to "mixed use in the business districts."

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen met on July 30, 2026, but its minutes have not yet been published. The only concrete action listed on the agenda was scheduling a Special Town Meeting for September 24, 2026. The agenda also included discussion of communications, appointments, and reports, but no substantive decisions were recorded.

Inland Wetlands Commission

The Inland Wetlands Commission held two site walks in early August, both listed as informational with no decisions made. On August 3, members visited 217 West Shore Road regarding Citation # 2026-W01. On August 4, they inspected 77 Wykeham Rd (Application IW-26-31) and 37 Old North Rd (Application IW-26-26).

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission met on August 5, 2026, with an agenda covering New Preston Open Space Stewardship, a Notable Tree Project, an easements update at 65 Gunn Hill Road, the NRIR Conservation Report, and strategic planning. No decisions were reported; minutes have not yet been published.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission also met on August 5, 2026. Its agenda included a petition from the Zoning Commission to amend regulations for recreational club facilities, continued discussion of agritourism, land trusts, and signage, plus updates from the Sustainability and Economic Development committees. No votes or decisions were listed.

Coming up

No meetings are scheduled in the next two weeks, according to the town's published calendar. The next known public sessions are the Special Town Meeting on September 24, 2026, and the Zoning Commission public hearing on September 28, 2026.

Inland Wetlands Commission Approves River Road, Nichols Hill Road Projects; Accepts Multifamily Housing Application

The Inland Wetlands Commission approved two wetland-related applications unanimously on July 22, 2026, and accepted three new applications for review, including a multifamily housing proposal at 77 Wykeham Rd.

Inland Wetlands Commission — July 22

The commission voted 5-0 to approve application IW-26-23 for invasive plant removal and native planting at 53 River Road. It also voted 5-0 to approve application IW-26-27 for planting 21 trees at 136 Nichols Hill Road.

Meeting minutes from July 8 were approved 5-0, as were site inspection reports for both 53 River Road and 136 Nichols Hill Road dated July 13.

The commission accepted three new applications for review:

• IW-26-31: multifamily housing at 77 Wykeham Rd
• IW-26-26: pond dredging at 37 Old North Rd
• IW-26-29: boat launch removal at 63 West Shore Rd, accepted pending plan amendments

Board of Finance — July 20

The Board of Finance met to review routine financial and municipal reports, including the Tax Collector's Report, Treasurer's Report, Selectman's Report, and Financial Reports. The agenda also included approval of minutes from the June 15, 2026 meeting. No other decisions or proposals were listed. Minutes from this meeting have not yet been published.

Zoning Commission — July 27

The Zoning Commission's agenda centered on a petition from the Washington Club at 8 Golf Course Rd. to amend the Zoning Regulations. The commission was also scheduled to receive an update on state transient housing legislation (PA-25-1), hold an executive session on pending litigation, review its monthly enforcement report, and approve minutes from its June 22 regular meeting. No public hearings or new applications were listed. Minutes have not yet been published.

Board of Selectmen — July 30

The Board of Selectmen agenda included approving minutes from the July 16 meeting and discussing communications, appointments, and reports. The only concrete action listed was scheduling a Special Town Meeting for September 24, 2026. No substantive decisions were otherwise listed. Minutes have not yet been published.

Cancelled Meetings

The Historic District Commission meeting scheduled for July 20 was cancelled; its next meeting is set for August 17, 2026. The Economic Development Committee meeting scheduled for July 21 was also cancelled.

Coming Up

• **Aug. 3 — Inland Wetlands Commission:** Site walk at 217 West Shore Road regarding Citation #2026-W01.
• **Aug. 4 — Inland Wetlands Commission:** Site walks at 77 Wykeham Rd (Application IW-26-31, multifamily housing) and 37 Old North Rd (Application IW-26-26, pond dredging). No decisions will be made; the visits are informational.
• **Aug. 5 — Planning Commission:** Will consider a petition from the Zoning Commission to amend regulations for recreational club facilities, and continue discussions on agritourism, land trusts, and signage. Updates from the Sustainability Committee and Economic Development Committee are also on the agenda.
• **Aug. 5 — Conservation Commission:** Hybrid meeting covering New Preston open space stewardship, the Notable Tree Project, easement updates at 65 Gunn Hill Road, an NRIR conservation report, and strategic planning.

Washington meeting roundup: Wetlands Commission sets Aug. 5 deadline for violation correction; Parks & Rec schedules beach party

The Inland Wetlands Commission has directed that the owner of 36 Old Litchfield Rd submit a correction application by August 5, 2026, for a wetland violation cited under Citation #2025-W01. The action was the most consequential decision among recent Washington town meetings, which also included a $11,420 tennis court repair estimate, a withdrawn historic district application, and a scheduled Town Beach Party.

Inland Wetlands Commission

At its July 8 meeting, the Commission approved the June 24, 2026 meeting minutes as written with one correction. It accepted two new applications for site walks: application IW-26-23 at 53 River Rd for invasive plant removal and native planting, and application IW-26-27 at 136 Nichols Hill Rd for planting 21 trees. The Commission also received a planting and maintenance plan for 217 West Shore Rd for future review.

The Commission directed S. White to notify the owner of 36 Old Litchfield Rd to submit a correction application by August 5, 2026, regarding Citation #2025-W01.

A July 13 Inland Wetlands Commission meeting produced no substantive decisions. The minutes consisted of numeric codes and placeholders without clear actions or votes, and no specific approvals or denials could be identified.

Parks and Recreation Commission

On July 13, the Commission unanimously approved minutes from its June 8, 2026 meeting. Commissioners scheduled the Town Beach Party for August 21, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., with a rain date of August 23.

The Commission asked the town manager to arrange an on-site appointment with Oval Tennis to discuss a $11,420 court repair estimate. No decision to approve the repair was recorded.

Historic District Commission

The Commission conducted a site walk at 11 Kirby on July 9, 2026. Members agreed the proposed alterations would not be visible from a public way. Because of that, no Certificate of Appropriateness is required, and the application was withdrawn.

Meetings with no published decisions

Several bodies met or were scheduled with agendas only, meaning minutes have not yet been published and no decisions are confirmed:

• **Sustainability Committee (July 8):** Agenda included discussion of EV charger rates and cover, a potential plastic ordinance, transfer station website updates, invasive species management, and energy initiative progress.
• **Arts Council (July 9):** Agenda included discussion of an artist for the Harvest Fest scarecrow display (Oct. 11), a Holiday in the Depot event (Dec. 11), and review of a 250th anniversary flag display and light pole banners.
• **Zoning Board of Appeals (July 16):** Public hearing scheduled on ZBA-1183, a special exception request for an addition at 63 Calhoun St, and ZBA-1184, a variance request for a garage addition at 253 Woodbury Rd.
• **Board of Selectmen (July 16):** Agenda consisted of procedural boilerplate with no specific decisions, contracts, or ordinances listed.

Cancelled meetings

The Housing Commission meeting scheduled for July 14, 2026, was cancelled.

Coming up

• **Board of Finance — July 20:** Will consider approving June 15, 2026 minutes and review the Tax Collector's Report, Treasurer's Report, Selectman's Report, and Financial Reports. No other decisions are listed.
• **Historic District Commission — July 20:** Cancelled. Next meeting scheduled for August 17, 2026.
• **Economic Development Committee — July 21:** Cancelled.

Washington Selectmen Approve Emergency Management Resolution; Inland Wetlands Sets Deadline for Violation Correction

The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the town to execute documents with the State of Connecticut's Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS) at its July 1 meeting, the most consequential action taken across Washington's recent town meetings.

Board of Selectmen

The selectmen voted unanimously on three appointments and the DEMHS resolution. Kevin Clemente was appointed as an alternate to the Inland Wetlands Commission, serving until June 30, 2027. Adam Woodruff and Addison Larson were appointed as Deputy Fire Marshalls for indefinite terms. The board also unanimously approved minutes from its June 17, 2026 meeting.

Inland Wetlands Commission

The Inland Wetlands Commission, meeting July 8, directed staff to notify the owner of 36 Old Litchfield Rd that a correction application for a wetland violation (Citation #2025-W01) must be submitted by August 5, 2026.

The commission accepted two new applications for review: IW-26-23 at 53 River Rd, for invasive plant removal and native planting, and IW-26-27 at 136 Nichols Hill Rd, for planting 21 trees. Both properties are scheduled for site walks on July 13. The commission also received a planting and maintenance plan for 217 West Shore Rd, which will be reviewed at a future meeting. Minutes from the June 24, 2026 meeting were approved as written with one correction.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission held a regular meeting July 1 but took no formal votes on any applications or ordinances. Members discussed agritourism and sign regulations. The only action taken was approval of previous meeting minutes.

Conservation Commission

The July 1 Conservation Commission meeting was cancelled due to a space conflict. No business was conducted. A special meeting is scheduled for August 5, 2026.

Sustainability Committee

The Sustainability Committee's July 8 agenda included discussion of setting rates and a cover for town EV chargers, consideration of a potential plastic ordinance, and updates on the transfer station website, invasive species management, and energy initiatives. Minutes from this meeting have not yet been published, so no decisions are confirmed.

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission scheduled a site inspection at 11 Kirby Road, the residence of Colin Farmer, for July 9 at 3:00 PM. Minutes have not yet been published.

Arts Council

The Washington Arts Council's July 9 agenda included discussion of hiring an artist for a Harvest Fest scarecrow display (October 11), planning for a Holiday in the Depot event (December 11), and review of 250th anniversary flag display and light pole banners. Minutes have not yet been published.

Coming Up

• **July 13 — Inland Wetlands Commission:** Site walks at 53 River Rd (Application IW-26-23) and 136 Nichols Hill Rd (Application IW-26-27).
• **July 14 — Housing Commission:** Meeting cancelled.
• **July 16 — Zoning Board of Appeals:** Public hearing on ZBA-1183, a special exception request for an addition at 63 Calhoun St, and ZBA-1184, a variance request for a garage addition at 253 Woodbury Rd.

Washington Zoning Commission approves Frederick Gunn School dormitory; wetlands panel seeks enforcement on Old Litchfield Rd

The Zoning Commission voted 5-0 on June 22 to approve a special permit modification allowing the Frederick Gunn School to add a dormitory to an existing cottage at 99 Green Hill Road. The approval is contingent on receiving written approval from the Town Fire Marshal and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). The commission also approved minutes from its May 18 regular meeting (5-0) and its June 15 special meeting as amended (5-0).

Inland Wetlands Commission

On June 24, the Inland Wetlands Commission approved minutes from June 10 (4-0) and a site inspection report for Citation IW-2025-W08 at 101 New Preston Hill Road (4-0). The commission tabled application IW-26-23 at 53 River Road, which involves invasive plant removal, pending additional information from the applicant. The commission also voted 4-0 to have the town's zoning enforcement officer contact the town attorney regarding possible enforcement action at 36 Old Litchfield Road, citing noncompliance with past requests.

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen met July 1 to conduct routine business and approve previous meeting minutes. The primary action item on the agenda was the appointment of Kevin Clemente as an alternate member to the Inland Wetlands Commission. Minutes from this meeting have not yet been published, so the outcome of the appointment is not confirmed in the available record.

Conservation Commission

The July 1 Conservation Commission meeting was cancelled due to a space conflict. No business was conducted. A special meeting is scheduled for August 5, 2026.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission held a regular meeting July 1 and discussed agritourism and sign regulations, but took no formal votes on any applications or ordinances. The only action recorded was approval of previous meeting minutes.

Coming up

• **Sustainability Committee, July 8:** The committee will review ongoing items including EV charger rates and cover, a potential plastic ordinance, updates on the transfer station website, invasive species management, and energy initiative progress. Public comment will follow new business.
• **Historic District Commission, July 9 at 3:00 p.m.:** The commission will conduct a site inspection at 11 Kirby Road, the residence of Colin Farmer.

Frederick Gunn School dormitory addition approved with conditions; wetlands enforcement sought on Old Litchfield Road

The Zoning Commission voted unanimously on June 22 to approve a special permit modification allowing the Frederick Gunn School to add a dormitory to an existing cottage at 99 Green Hill Road. The approval is contingent on written clearances from the Town Fire Marshal and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

In separate actions, the Inland Wetlands Commission directed staff to pursue possible enforcement against a property on Old Litchfield Road where prior compliance requests have not been met. The week also saw the cancellation of a Conservation Commission meeting and a Planning Commission session that produced no formal votes.

Zoning Commission

The commission approved the dormitory project 5-0. The plan involves modifying an existing cottage on the school’s campus. Final authorization requires the applicant to provide approvals from the Fire Marshal and DEEP. The commission also approved minutes from its May 18 regular meeting and June 15 special meeting, both by 5-0 votes.

Inland Wetlands Commission

Meeting on June 24, the commission took two notable actions. A new application at 53 River Road, seeking to remove invasive plants, was tabled because the applicant needs to supply additional information. No further hearing date was set.

The commission voted 4-0 to have the CZEO contact the town attorney regarding 36 Old Litchfield Road. The property is the subject of ongoing noncompliance with past requests from the commission. The vote authorizes staff to initiate a conversation about possible enforcement steps.

Also approved unanimously: minutes from June 10 and a site inspection report for Citation IW-2025-W08, which relates to 101 New Preston Hill Road.

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen’s July 1 agenda included the appointment of Kevin Clemente as an alternate member of the Inland Wetlands Commission. Because official minutes are not yet published, details of any discussion or other business are unavailable. The appointment fills one seat on the volunteer land-use panel.

Planning and Conservation

The Planning Commission met on July 1 but took no formal votes on applications or ordinances. According to minutes, members discussed agritourism and sign regulations; the only action was approval of previous meeting minutes.

The Conservation Commission’s July 1 meeting was cancelled due to a space conflict. A special meeting is scheduled for August 5, 2026.

Coming up

July 8 – Sustainability Committee: The committee plans to discuss rates and covers for electric vehicle chargers, a possible ordinance on plastics, updates on the transfer station website, invasive species management, and progress on energy initiatives. Public comment will follow.

July 9 – Historic District Commission: Members will conduct a site inspection at 11 Kirby Road, the home of Colin Farmer. The site walk begins at 3 p.m.