City Council
Regular MeetingDanbury, CT · January 30, 2024
Minutes
Margerie Reservoir Trail Advisory Committee
January 30, 2024 - 6PM
Committee Member Holly Robinson called the meeting to order at 6:09 p.m. on Tuesday, January 30, 2024.
Present were Committee Members Antonio Iadarola, Public Works Director & City Engineer, City of Danbury
& Town Engineer, New Fairfield; David Day, Public Utilities Superintendent, City of Danbury; Peter Hearn, New
Fairfield; Robert Fisher, Outside Counsel, City of Danbury; Jeff Main, CLA and Parks, New Fairfield; and Ken
Gucker, Alternate, Danbury. Absent: Ann Marie Mellas, Alternate, New Fairfield. Present from the public
were Melissa Lindsey, New Fairfield First Selectwoman; (inaudible), Danbury; Peggy Stuart, Danbury; Andrea
Gartner, Danbury Councilwoman; (inaudible), New Fairfield; Claudia Miller, New Fairfield; Ann Brown, New
Fairfield; Tom Perkins, New Fairfield Selectman; (inaudible), New Fairfield; (inaudible), New Fairfield; Patricia
Del Monaco, New Fairfield Selectwoman; Khris Hall, New Fairfield; and (inaudible), New Fairfield.
Members and attendees introduced themselves. Member Robinson suggested that the committee elect a new Chair
based on committee vacancies.
A motion was made by Member Day, and was seconded by Member Iadarola, to nominate Holly Robinson
as the Chair. The motion carried unanimously.
Public Comment
Chair Robinson opened public comment.
Ms. Hall noted that despite changes to elected officials in New Fairfield, the town continues to support the trail.
Minutes
A motion was made by Member Iadarola, and was seconded by Member Hearn, to accept the meeting
minutes from the last meeting. The motion carried unanimously.
Status of RFP
Member Iadarola explained the process so far which consisted of the Committee selecting a surveyor and wetlands
soil scientist. The Authorization to Award (Surveyor and Wetlands bids) was sent to the State of CT for review,
and was approved. Furthermore, the New Fairfield Agent is currently working on drafting purchase orders for the
approved bidders. He noted that New Fairfield is the grant receipt of $2.2 million, which will be allocated towards
the Committee’s recommendations. He confirmed that the City now has a primary State contact, and the next step
is to start the RFP for design services. Alternate Gucker offered his help to expedite communication with the state
if needed.
Project Timeline
Chair Robinson asked about the next RFP and project timeline. Member Iadarola explained that he will present a
draft RFP for design services to members for their review and input prior to the next meeting.
Schedule
The Committee discussed meeting schedules and confirmed that the next meeting will be on Tuesday, February
27, 2024, at 6pm, in New Fairfield.
Chair Robinson requested a timeline for surveying and soil testing at the next meeting, and spoke about
performing community outreach. Alternate Gucker asked about environmental work. Member Main discussed
concerns in the area which is degraded with runoff from the roads, and he suggested reviewing potential
wildlife needs in the Spring. Member Iadarola confirmed that drainage and run-off concerns will be addressed
during the surveying process. He noted that the area has wildlife sightings including an eagle nest near the
quarry.
Member Hearn spoke on wildlife concerns. Alternate Gucker noted that the area still has microburst damage.
Member Hearn noted that New Fairfield’s new Plan of Conservation is in development, and suggested that they
verify the commission’s endorsement of the trail. Chair Robinson suggested new members walk the area in the
Spring, and Member Iadarola stated he will provide a detailed map for new members to review.
Furthermore, he discussed the study of prospective routes. Member Main suggested implementing design ideas
from nearby established trails. Chair Robinson spoke on the importance of the Committee hosting community
meetings to receive feedback and address concerns. Furthermore, she requested that the Committee invite
property owners who live along the trail to the community meetings. Alternate Gucker provided an overview of
the trail grant for the new Committee members.
Adjournment
A motion was made by Member Iadarola, and seconded by Member Hearn, to adjourn. The
motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Holly Robinson, Chair
Antonio Iadarola
David Day
Peter Hearn
Jeff Main
Agenda
CITY OF DANBURY Town of New Fairfield
155 DEER HILL AVENUE
DANBURY, CONNECTICUT 06810 4 Brush Hill Road
www.danbury-ct.gov New Fairfield, Connecticut 06812
ELISA ETCHETO Jean Green
LEGISLATIVE ASSISTANT
PHONE: 203-797-4514
Administrative Assistant to the First
FAX: 203-796-1529 Selectman
e.etcheto@danbury-ct.gov (203)312-5600
MEETING NOTICE
Who: Margerie Reservoir Trail Advisory Committee
When: 6PM – Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Where: Danbury City Hall
155 Deer Hill Avenue - Danbury, CT
Purpose: Margerie Reservoir Trail Advisory Committee
Meeting #6
*Agenda Item on file with the Danbury Legislative Assistant & with the Town of New Fairfield
Committee Members & Representatives:
Holly Robinson, City Council Member, City of Danbury
Antonio Iadarola, City Engineer & Public Works Director, City of Danbury
& Town Engineer, New Fairfield
David Day, Public Utilities Superintendent, City of Danbury
Corporation Counsel Representative, City of Danbury
Ken Gucker, Danbury
Jeff Main, Conservation & Inland Wetland Commission, New Fairfield
Peter Hearn, Member, New Fairfield
Ann Marie Mellas, Alternate, New Fairfield
Posted Notices: Town Clerk, City of Danbury & New Fairfield
Information Board, City of Danbury
City Website, City of Danbury & New Fairfield
Margerie Trail Advisory Committee
AGENDA
When: 6:00 PM – Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Where: Danbury City Hall – Conf Rm 3C - 3rd Floor
155 Deer Hill Avenue, Danbury CT
______________________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Approve Meeting Minutes from October 10, 2023
4. Discuss/Review status of RFP recommendation to the State
5. Discuss Project Timeline/Milestones
6. Set Date and Agenda for Next Meeting
7. Adjournment
Margerie Reservoir Trail Advisory Committee (Meeting #5)
October 10, 2023 - 6 P.M.
Chairman DiGilio called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. on Tuesday, October 10, 2023. Present were Committee
Members Antonio Iadarola, Public Works Director & City Engineer, City of Danbury & Town Engineer, New
Fairfield; David Day, Public Utilities Superintendent, City of Danbury; Peter Hearn, New Fairfield; Jonathan
Barney, Alternate member, City of Danbury; Ray Yamin, Outside Counsel, City of Danbury; and Jeff Main,
Conservation Inlands Wetlands/Conservation Commission, New Fairfield. Absent: Ann Marie Mellas, Alternate,
New Fairfield. Present from the public were Patricia Del Monaco, New Fairfield First Selectwoman; Khris Hall,
Selectwoman; and Ken Gucker, Danbury Resident.
Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Ken Gucker.
Minutes
A motion was made by Member Hearn, and was seconded by Member Day, to accept the meeting minutes
as discussed. The motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Hearn noted a name correction on Draft DEEP Progress Report section.
Discuss/Review RFP Responses
Mr. Iadarola provided a brief overview of the RFP submissions and distributed grade sheets for the Committee
to utilize the grade sheet to grade the submissions.
He noted that were four submissions (one only submitting on the wetlands delineation). He clarified for Mr.
Hearn that a contract will be with the surveyor and not the wetland delineator. The Committee agreed to focus
on the three submissions that were complete.
The Committee discussed Sydney A. Rapp Land Surveying PC; Mr. Iadarola noted that they have worked in
both municipalities and are well versed in process and procedures. The surveyor and sub are licensed in
Connecticut, and comply with all minimum state requirements. Mr. Hearn noted that related work and specific
projects were not listed in the submission. Mr. Iadarola pointed out a “Set Aside” requirement in the project
agreement which requires the state to approve any contractors before being hired. Total fee is
$69, 250.
The M & J Engineering PC submission was discussed. Aerial surveying was discussed. Mr. DiGilio noted that
the majority of past projects were in metro areas. Total fee is $85,680 (note issue with sub’s cost compared to
their cost with another submission).
The submission for Accurate Land Surveying LLC was discussed. Mr. Iadarola noted that the state’s
certification had another business name. Mr. Day pointed out an affiliated note in the submission. Mr. Hearn
and Iadarola pointed out exemptions that were made by the contractor from parts of the RFP requirements. Mr.
Hearn noted only recent work by the company as a concern.
Each Committee member explained his review of each submission:
Mr. DiGilio: Accurate (6.6); M&J (6.5); Sydney Rapp (9.4).
Mr. Day: Accurate (5.6); M&J (6.5); Sydney Rapp (9.3).
Mr. Hearn: Accurate (inaudible); M&J (6.3); Sydney Rapp (6.5).
Mr. Main: Accurate (6.10); M&J (5.9); Sydney Rapp (7.7).
Mr. Iadarola: Accurate (5.5); M&J (4.6); Sydney Rapp (9.2).
The final grades were:
Sydney A. Rapp Land Surveying PC (8.42); M & J Engineering PC (5.96); Accurate Land Surveying LLC
(5.44), ECO Maps LLC (incomplete).
Approve an RFP Response
A motion was made by Member Hearn, seconded by Member Main, to recommend to the New Fairfield
Purchasing Agent to proceed with the Sydney A. Rapp Land Surveying RFP as presented and discussed based
upon our review and scoring. The motion carried unanimously.
Discuss Project Timeline/Milestones
Mr. Iadarola stated the City cannot execute contracts or vendor work until the State approves the recommendation
and contract, which takes approximately 2 weeks to review. Mr. DiGilio stated the next phase of RFPs will be
for the comprehensive design. Mr. Iadarola confirmed that the City can prepare an RFP for the comprehensive
design services.
Set Date and Agenda for Next Meeting
Next meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at 6 pm, in Danbury.
Adjournment
A motion was made by Member Iadarola, and seconded by Member Hearn, to adjourn. The
motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:34 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Vinny DiGilio
Antonio Iadarola
David Day
Jeff Main
Peter Hearn
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