City Council
Regular MeetingDanbury, CT · March 25, 2025
Minutes
Margerie Reservoir Trail Advisory Committee (Meeting #13)
March 25, 2025
Chairman Robinson called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. Present were
Committee Members David Day, City of Danbury; Antonio Iadarola, City of Danbury; Jeff Main, New Fairfield;
Ken Gucker, Alternate, City of Danbury. Absent were Peter Hearn, New Fairfield; and Ann Marie Mellas,
Alternate, New Fairfield. Also present was Joseph Mortelliti, Outside Counsel, City of Danbury; Kevin Grindle
and Oscar Villavicencio, Barton & Loguidice (B&L); and several members of the public.
A motion was made by Alt. member Gucker, 2nd by Member Main, to move Item #7 to Item #3 on the agenda.
Motion carried unanimously.
Public Speaking:
Diane Cooke, Danbury Resident – asked about landscaping and the use of native plants.
Millie (inaudible), New Fairfield Resident – spoke in support of the trail.
Kristina McCarthy, New Fairfield Resident – spoke in support of the walking trail and its health benefits.
Kelly Linquist, New Fairfield Resident – asked about the plan to address eagle nests that are close to the trail.
Jennifer Pappas, New Fairfield Resident – discussed concerns with traffic congestion, reservoir safety, fencing,
and environmental issues. She spoke on the need to communicate and discuss these issues.
John McCartney, New Fairfield Resident – spoke in support of the trail and the need for more walking trails for
seniors and to unite the two communities.
Minutes:
A motion was made by Alternate Member Gucker, seconded by Member Main, to waive the reading of the
minutes. Motion carried unanimously.
A motion was made by Alternate Member Gucker, seconded by Member Main, accept the minutes from the
January 28, 2025 meeting as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
B&L Update:
• Online data summary:
514 responses, 177 map comments; mostly New Fairfield residents and 45+.
• Advancements to trail route alignment based on online data:
Connection to other activities and dog park is requested.
Safety while walking the trail is a concern due to high traffic nearby.
Privacy, Connectivity and Safety were top concerns.
Connection from trail to sidewalks along Route 7.
Vegetation buffer to help with privacy.
Minimize disturbance to the area and nature.
Created an eagle nest buffer zone.
Slight adjustment to trail near existing stone walls to avoid them.
Grading and/or boardwalk will help with trail near wetland areas.
Suggested connection to the dog park.
• Estimated construction costs and material options:
Factors to consider are the boardwalk vs. fill
Grading
• Summary of pre-application meeting with DEEP:
Entering Phase 3: Design Development (April – August)
Review of permits needed:
Recreational development, wetland and stream crossing permits required.
Create a Schedule:
Dependent on level of disturbance
10 month review process is estimated
Scheduling DEEP Wildlife Scientist to review eagle nest in person
Phase construction to limit eagle nest disturbances during mating season.
Member Day asked about DEEPs input on the eagle nest; Mr. Grindle confirmed that they believe the trail will
not make a significant impact in composition to the disruption Route 7 already has on the nest area. Member
Main asked about the proposed sidewalk location close to businesses and high traffic area; he spoke on all the
drainage that comes across Route 7 and an opportunity for mitigation of what is going into the reservoir; Mr.
Grindle confirmed the water mitigation is on their radar.
Member Gucker spoke on the damage done to the area from the microburst; he supports the vegetation barrier
near the condos for privacy; he suggested extending the trail slightly where the junction is connecting the trail to
Bear Mtn. Reserve to alleviate the proximity to wetlands; he spoke on the importance of addressing storm water
runoff; he discussed the opportunity to remove invasive plants and thanked the team for addressing the eagles
nest concerns.
Member Iadarola asked about adding tags to the map; he noted concerns with the flood line; and he asked about
the grading plan that affected the location of the path and the boardwalk plan; Mr. Grindle suggested PVC
construction for longevity. Member Iadarola also asked about addressing dead trees during the construction.
Chair Robinson asked about the dual role of Mr. Iadarola and Mr. Day with regards to a quorum during a walk
through; Mr. Mortelliti confirmed they could plan offline. The Chair asked about scheduling town hall meetings
in New Fairfield and Danbury; Mr. Grindle asked that they solidify the path before calling the town hall
meetings to allow for a better presentation.
Members Gucker and Iadarola asked for an overview of all the comments collected on the website; Mr. Grindle
confirmed they were mostly positive and all information will be made available on the website once it is reviewed
by the committee. Mr. Grindle confirmed for Member Day that the length of the trail is 2 miles and the boardwalk
is 1,300 linear ft. Chair Robinson noted that the walk through will be scheduled for April or May depending on
the DEEP meeting.
Outstanding Invoices:
B&L Invoice # 11079 ($8,040) –
A motion was made by Member Gucker, seconded by Member Iadarola, to approve the invoice from B&L
Invoice #11079. Motion carried unanimously.
Schedule: Next meeting is scheduled for: April 22, 2025* at 6:30pm in Danbury.
*schedule conflict requires a new date to be determined.
Adjournment:
A motion was made by Member Main, and seconded by Member Gucker, to adjourn. The motion carried
unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Holly Robinson, Chair; Antonio Iadarola, David Day, Ken Gucker, 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: Tuesday, March 25, 2025
6:30PM
Where: New Fairfield Senior/Community Center
33 Route 37, New Fairfield, CT
Purpose: Margerie Reservoir Trail Advisory Committee
Meeting #13
*Original 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, Alternate, Danbury
Jeff Main, Conservation & Inland Wetland Commission, New Fairfield
Peter Hearn, 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 Reservoir Trail Advisory Committee (Meeting #13)
AGENDA
When: 6:30 PM – Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Where: New Fairfield
______________________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Minutes – January 28, 2025
4. Review B&L website data
5. Invoices
6. Communications to the Committee
7. Public Speaking
8. Set Date for next Meeting
9. Adjournment
Margerie Reservoir Trail Advisory Committee (Meeting #12)
January 28, 2025
Chairman Robinson called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. Present were
Committee Members David Day, City of Danbury; Antonio Iadarola,, City of Danbury; Peter Hearn, New
Fairfield; Jeff Main, New Fairfield; Absent: Ken Gucker, Alternate, City of Danbury; Ann Marie Mellas,
Alternate, New Fairfield. Also present were Joseph Mortelliti, Outside Counsel, City of Danbury; and Kenton
Higgins, Asst. Superintendent of Public Utilities, City of Danbury; and several members of the public.
A motion was made by member Main, 2nd by Member Hearn, to add outstanding invoices and upcoming costs
to the agenda. Motion carried unanimously.
A motion was made by Member Iadarola, seconded by Member Main, to add Communications to the agenda.
Motion carried unanimously.
Outstanding Invoices:
B&L Invoice # 10726 ($28,140) –
A motion was made by Member Iadarola, seconded by Member Main, to approve the invoice from B&L Invoice
#10726 in the amount of $28,140. Motion carried unanimously.
B&L Invoice #10336 ($32,160) -
A motion was made by Member Iadarola, seconded by Member Main, to approve the invoice from B&L Invoice
#10336 in the amount of $32,160. Motion carried unanimously.
Town Tribune Publication - Invoice: n/a (not to exceed $230) -
A motion was made by Member Main, seconded by Member Iadarola, to authorize the New Milford Purchasing
Agent to purchase advertising in the Tribune not to exceed $230 for the publication of Motion carried
unanimously.
News Times Publication - Invoice: n/a (not to exceed $1,100) -
A motion was made by Member Hearn, seconded by Member Day, to purchase a website ad and a printed ad
in a Sunday edition of Th News Times, both not to exceed $1,100 total.
Mr. Higgins asked for a timeline of the advertising; Member Hearn confirmed the B&L website is accepting
public input until February 7th so advertising would be used to bring awareness to the website prior to that date.
Chair Robinson discussed the advantages of both printed advertising and website ads.
Minutes:
A motion was made by Alternate Member Gucker, seconded by Member Main, to waive the reading of the
minutes and accept the minutes from the December 17, 2024 meeting. Yes – 4, 1 Abstention (Iadarola). The
motion carried.
Communications:
Chair Robinson clarified the duties of the committee and noted that FOIA requests presented to an individual on
the committee takes time to review and gather information to respond.
Member Iadarola spoke on a request made on December 12, 2024; he confirmed that a response was sent. A
follow-up email was provided on December 30, 2024 to express their concerns and opposition to the trail. He
asked that any future communications should be discussed as a committee at regular meetings. Mr. Mortelliti
noted that FOI requests should be made to appropriate departments within the City of Danbury and New
Fairfield, and requests need to be specific and the volume of information can dictate how information is
provided.
Member Main provided a copy of the Town Tribune for everyone.
Member Hearn noted email communications and FOI regulations; Mr. Mortelliti asked that communications
should go to him and he would distribute as needed to prevent an illegal meeting.
Concept website:
Chair Robinson provided an overview of the committee’s tasks and the process thus far. She noted that grant
funding was provided for the exploration of a trail. She noted the need to be cautious with recommending a
final trail plan and identified under 300 comments thus far on the concept website. She identified mostly
favorable responses in support of the trail.
Chair Robinson explained that all concerns that have been presented during public comment have been included
in the RFP for a Design consultant, and any new concerns posted on the website will be added. The next
meeting will provide a detailed report of the information that was gathered on the website.
Public Comment
Mr. Mortelliti explained that public comment is not meant for Q&A.
Jennifer Pappas, New Fairfield, expressed concerns with interactions with a committee member; she identified
continued questions from the community regarding: fencing, parking, access points, pedestrian traffic, long-
term consequences to wildlife and reserve water, costs, police patrol, and FOI information access.
Kelly Linquist, New Fairfield, reiterated concerns regarding the following: eagle nests, lack of buffering,
wildlife, and water protection. She requested that the Committee protect the wildlife. She identified another trail
that limits use of the trail during eagle nesting season.
Schedule
Next meeting is scheduled for: Tuesday, February 25th at 6:30pm in New Fairfield.*
* POSTPONED after the meeting due to a scheduling conflict.
Adjournment
A motion was made by Member Hearn, and seconded by Member Main, to adjourn. The motion carried
unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Holly Robinson, Chair
Antonio Iadarola
David Day
Peter Hearn
Jeff Main
INVOICE #3 Work performed to 1-18-2025
Services completed this invoicing period
Phase 1 - Development of Trail Route - 85% complete.
Initiate Permit Review Process with CT DEEP.
Deploy Project Website, Online Survey, and Interactive Map.
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