City Council
Regular MeetingDanbury, CT · April 24, 2025
Minutes
PUBLIC HEARING
Ordinances and Resolutions: 2025-2026 Budget,
Sewer Rates, Water Rates, NAA & CT Municipal Redevelopment Authority Membership
Thursday, April 24, 2025
Call To Order:
Council President P. Buzaid called the Public Hearing to order at 7:06 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance:
Councilman McAllister led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call:
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Hawley, Rickert, Gartner, Salvatore, Peter Buzaid, Emile Buzaid, Coelho, LaPine,
Dennis Perkins, Fox, Robinson, Britton, McAllister, Duane Perkins, Chianese, Rotello, Giordano.
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT:
PRESENT: 17, ABSENT: 4 (Simone, Wallace-Smith, Palma, Tomchik)
ALSO PRESENT FROM THE CITY: Roberto Alves, Mayor; Taylor O’Brien, Chief of Staff, Mayor’s Office; Farley
Santos, Community & Economic Development Advisor, Mayor’s Office;
Dan Garrick, Finance Director; Kara Prunty, Assistant Finance Director; Joanne Sterk, Assistant Finance Director; Shawn
Dvaz, Tax Collector; Shaun Ratchford, Recreation Director; and Elisa Etcheto, Legislative Assistant.
Legal Notice:
Council President P. Buzaid read the legal notice; and opened public speaking regarding Item 1:
An Ordinance Making Appropriations for the Fiscal year Beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026:
Christopher, Student – spoke about bathroom conditions
Michael Flanagan, Resident, Jefferson Ave. – spoke on the thorough review of the budget at each ad hoc; supports the
budget.
Kara, Student – spoke on the facility conditions, short staffing and outdated materials at Danbury High School.
Luisa Britton, Resident, Fairfield Avenue – spoke in support of the education budget.
Shay, Student – spoke about the conditions at Danbury High School and staffing concerns.
John Cooke, Resident, 152 South King St – spoke in support of the budget and school budget.
Warren Levy, Resident, 5 Pilgrim Drive – spoke on concerns with using funds from the Reserve and its effect on the
City’s financial stability, he is against increasing school funds before an audit is complete.
Kara Casimiro, Superintendent of Danbury Schools – spoke on the hard work of school staff, but noted a workforce issue
due to insufficient funding. She discussed the need to continue working together and to prioritize education.
Diane, Student – discussed poor bathroom and temperature conditions at Danbury High School.
Richard Janelli, Resident, 18 Benson Drive – suggested that the budget process be changed so that conversations can start
sooner and last longer, and the need to present a multi-year budget for schools.
Lindsay, Student – spoke on the condition of bathrooms at Danbury High School.
Kate Kenetta, Resident, 4 Topfield Road – discussed the need to fully fund schools.
Nicole, Student – spoke on the need to prioritize funds for schools so that programs can continue.
Jonathan, Student – spoke on the condition of bathrooms at Danbury High School.
Alexandria, Student – discussed the conditions of bathrooms at Danbury High School.
Melissa, Student – explained that teachers are using their own money on supplies and the poor conditions at the high
school.
Eric, Student - discussed the unsanitary conditions of bathrooms at Danbury High School.
Justin, Student – talked about overcrowding and poor conditions at the high school.
Andre, Student – spoke on the need for more funding for supplies and better conditions.
James, Student – thanked the city for the schools budget and for opening a new high school.
Lindsay McHale, 35 Boyce Rd., Resident – spoke on the need to fully fund schools.
James, Student – asked that the education budget be increased.
Lily-Beth, Student – thanked the city for the increased education budget, spoke on the need for funds for supplies.
Cara, Student – spoke about the facility conditions and overcrowding at Danbury High School.
Jake, Student - discussed the conditions of bathrooms at Danbury High School.
Gladys Cooper, 1 Southern Blvd., Resident & BOE Chair – spoke on the need to fully fund the education budget for staff
and student safety and to find an additional $4M.
Lori Aman, 188 Westville Ave. Ext, Resident – Asked for long-term investment in the community to help fund schools.
Anne Densk, 29 Regen Rd., Resident – asked for school funds to purchase supplies and better school conditions.
Adriana, Student – discussed the temperature conditions at the high school and its effect on students and teachers.
(inaudible), Student – spoke about closed bathrooms and conditions.
Anthony Borges, 23 (inaudible), Resident – asked for the city to fix the bathrooms at the high school.
Doris, Student – spoke about poor bathroom conditions and broken water pipes.
Thomas Young, 3 Tucker St, Resident – thanked all the students for speaking up and for sharing the conditions of the high
school. He discussed temperature conditions at elementary schools and the poor perception of Danbury schools by
surrounding towns.
Ann Brittle, 30 Washington Ave., Resident – expressed concern with the lack of funding, the conditions of the schools,
and the need for more staffing.
Heather Lorenz, 46 Ralph Dr. – spoke on the need to fully fund the schools and for the city to repair and maintain the
schools.
(inaudible), 34 Osbourne St, Resident – spoke on the need for more paraprofessionals.
John Laughinghouse, 5 Hayestown Heights, Resident – thanked the teachers for their work, and the progress he sees in the
city including funding for infrastructure.
Jim Maloney, 15 Wooster Heights, Resident – spoke in support of the budget and noted the responsible increase that
balances the impact on taxpayers and keeps the Reserve Fund at 10%. Asked that something be done next year to help
low- and moderate-income families.
Roberto Alves, 7 West Redding Rd, Resident & Mayor – thanked students and teachers for coming and speaking because
advocacy is important. He discussed the responsible budget that makes progress but noted that change takes time. He
spoke on the need to have pride in ownership at the schools to maintain facilities when they are repaired.
Council President P. Buzaid closed public speaking for Item 1.
Council President P. Buzaid opened public speaking regarding Item 2:
An Ordinance Appropriating $3,000,000 for Public Improvements in the 2025-2026 Capital Budget and Authorizing the
Issuance of $3,000,000 Bonds of the City to Meet said Appropriations and Pending the Issuance Thereof the Making of
Temporary Borrowings for Such Purpose
No public comments.
Council President P. Buzaid opened public speaking regarding Item 3:
Ordinances establishing Sewer Rates as of July 1, 2025
No public comments.
Council President P. Buzaid opened public speaking regarding Item 4:
Ordinances establishing Water Rates as of July 1, 2025
No public comments.
Council President P. Buzaid opened public speaking regarding Item 5:
A Resolution regarding Neighborhood Assistance Act
No public comments.
Council President P. Buzaid opened public speaking regarding Item 6:
A Resolution regarding CT Municipal Redevelopment Authority
No public Comment.
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Councilman Rotello, seconded by Councilman Salvatore, to close the Public Hearing and
adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:42 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Elisa Etcheto, Legislative Assistant
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Ordinances and Resolutions: 2025-2026 Budget,
Sewer Rates, Water Rates, NAA & CT Municipal Redevelopment Authority Membership
Thursday, April 24, 2025
Call To Order:
Council President P. Buzaid called the Committee of the Whole to order at 8:59 p.m.
Roll Call:
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Hawley, Rickert, Gartner, Salvatore, Peter Buzaid, Emile
Buzaid, Coelho, LaPine, Dennis Perkins, Fox, Robinson, Britton, McAllister, Duane Perkins, Chianese,
Rotello, Giordano.
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT:
PRESENT: 17, ABSENT: 4 (Simone, Wallace-Smith, Palma, Tomchik)
ALSO PRESENT FROM THE CITY: Roberto Alves, Mayor; Taylor O’Brien, Chief of Staff,
Mayor’s Office; Farley Santos, Community & Economic Development Advisor, Mayor’s Office;
Joseph Mortelliti Outside Counsel; Dan Garrick, Finance Director; Kara Prunty, Assistant Finance
Director; Joanne Sterk, Assistant Finance Director; Shawn Dvaz, Tax Colletcor; Waleed Albakry,
Planning Director; and Elisa Etcheto, Legislative Assistant.
NOTICE:
Council President P. Buzaid read the legal notice.
AGENDA:
Item 1: An Ordinance Appropriating $3,000,000 for Public Improvements in the 2025-2026 Capital Budget and
Authorizing the Issuance of $3,000,000 Bonds of the City to Meet said Appropriations and Pending the Issuance
Thereof the Making of Temporary Borrowings for Such Purpose
A motion was made by Councilwoman Robinson, seconded by Councilman Salvatore, to recommend
to the City Council the adoption of the ordinance for $3 million dollars in public improvements and
the issuance of $3 million dollars in bonds of the City to meet such obligations, and to make
temporary borrowings for such purposes. Motion Carried Unanimously.
Councilman Rotello stated his intent to discuss this further at the Council meeting.
Item 2: Ordinances establishing Sewer Rates as of July 1, 2025
A motion was made by Councilman Salvatore, seconded by Councilwoman Gartner, to divide the
question regarding sewer rates and vote on them separately. Motion Carried Unanimously.
Ord. Sec. 48-168:
A motion was made by Councilman Salvatore, seconded by Councilman Chianese, to take no action
on this item at this time. Motion Carried Unanimously.
Ord. Sec. 48-234:
A motion was made by Councilman Salvatore, seconded by Councilman Chianese, to recommend to
the City Council the adoption of the Sewer Rate adjustments as set forth in Section 48-234 of the
Code of Ordinances as of July 1, 2025.
Item 3: Ordinances establishing Water Rates as of July 1, 2025
A motion was made by Councilman Salvatore, seconded by Councilwoman Gartner, to divide the
question regarding sewer rates and to vote on them separately. Motion Carried Unanimously.
Ord. Sec. 48-70:
A motion was made by Councilman Salvatore, seconded by Councilman Rotello, to recommend to the
City Council the adoption of the Water Rates as set forth in Section 48-70 of the Code of Ordinances
as of July 1, 2025. Motion Carried Unanimously.
Ord. Sec. 48-74:
A motion was made by Councilman Salvatore, seconded by Councilman Rotello, to recommend to the
City Council the adoption of the Water Rates as set forth in Section 48-74 of the Code of Ordinances
as of July 1, 2025. 15 Yes, 2 No (Emile Buzaid, Coelho)
Councilman Emile Buzaid asked if rates are going up and how much; Mr. Garrick confirmed the rates
were going up by 10%.
Councilman Rotello asked how Danbury compares to other municipalities; Mr. Garrick confirmed we
are at or below the rest of the state. Councilman Rotello spoke on the monies needed to upgrade our
system and have been able to absorb those costs and maintained the competitive rates, he thanked all
involved.
Councilman Emile Buzaid asked what the difference is between residential and commercial rates; Mr.
Garrick confirmed the rate is based on multiple factors including meter size and usage, but the increase
is minimal.
Ord. Sec. 48-75:
A motion was made by Councilman Salvatore, seconded by Councilman Rotello, to recommend to the
City Council the adoption of the Water Rates as set forth in Section 48-75 of the Code of Ordinances
as of July 1, 2025. Motion Carried Unanimously.
Ord. Sec. 48-76:
A motion was made by Councilman Salvatore, seconded by Councilman Rotello, to take no action on
this item at this time. Motion Carried Unanimously.
Ord. Sec. 48-77:
A motion was made by Councilman Salvatore, seconded by Councilwoman Gartner, to recommend to
the City Council the adoption of the Water Rates as set forth in Section 48-77 of the Code of
Ordinances as of July 1, 2025. Motion Carried Unanimously.
Item 4: A Resolution regarding Neighborhood Assistance Act
A motion was made by Councilwoman Gartner, seconded by Councilman Chianese, to
recommend the adoption of a resolution authorizing approved and listed agencies to apply for and
receive funding in the form of tax credits in the State of Connecticut through the 2025 Neighborhood
Assistance Act Program. 16 Yes. 1 Abstention (Salvatore). The motion carried.
Item 5: A Resolution regarding CT Municipal Redevelopment Authority
A motion was made by Councilman Britton, seconded by Councilman Rotello, to recommend
the City of Danbury join the Connecticut Municipal Redevelopment Agency, and authorize Mayor
Roberto L. Alves to take, or cause to be taken, such actions including but not limited to the negotiate
and execution of any memorandum of agreements, instruments and documents that such official
deems necessary appropriate or desirable to implement the term of any such memorandum of
agreement, and consummate the intention of this and the resolution. Motion withdrawn.
Councilman asked about the language used in the motion that is not the same as the language in the
resolution. Councilman Rickert asked about additional language discrepancies. Councilman Rotello asked
for a point of order.
A motion was made by Councilman Rotello, seconded by Councilman Emile Buzaid, to withdraw
the original motion. The motion carried unanimously.
NEW MOTION:
A motion was made by Councilman Salvatore, seconded by Councilman Rotello, to recommend
to the City Council that the City of Danbury join the Connecticut Municipal Redevelopment Authority,
and authorize the Mayor to take, or cause to be taken, such actions including but not limited to, the
negotiate and execution of any memorandum of agreement on behalf of the city of Danbury with the
authority and any other agreements, instruments and documents that such official deems necessary
appropriate or desirable to implement the terms of any such memorandum of agreement, and
consummate the intention of this and the resolution. The motion carried unanimously.
A motion was made by Councilman Rotello, seconded by Councilman Chianese, to close the
Committee of the Whole. The motion carried unanimously.
A motion to adjourn was made by Councilwoman Gartner, seconded by Councilman Salvatore to
adjourn. The motion carried unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 9:26 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Elisa Etcheto, Legislative Assistant.
Agenda
CITY OF DANBURY
155 DEER HILL AVENUE
DANBURY, CONNECTICUT 06810
www.danbury-ct.gov
ELISA ETCHETO PHONE: 203-797-4514
LEGISLATIVE ASSISTANT FAX: 203-796-1529
e.etcheto@danbury-ct.gov
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
Who: City Council Members to hear Public Comment
When: 7:00 P.M. – Thursday, April 24, 2025
Where: 3rd Floor Council Chambers
City Hall, 155 Deer Hill Avenue
Purpose: Budget Ordinances & Resolutions
1. An Ordinance Making Appropriations for the Fiscal year Beginning July 1, 2025 and
ending June 30, 2026 and a Resolution Levying the Property Tax for the Fiscal Year
Beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026.
2. An Ordinance Appropriating $3,000,000 for Public Improvements in the 2025-2026 Capital
Budget and Authorizing the Issuance of $3,000,000 Bonds of the City to Meet said
Appropriations and Pending the Issuance Thereof the Making of Temporary Borrowings for
Such Purpose.
3. An Ordinance establishing Sewer Rates as of July 1, 2025
4. An Ordinance establishing Water Rates as of July 1, 2025
5. A Resolution regarding Neighborhood Assistance Act
6. A Resolution regarding CT Municipal Redevelopment Authority
*Agenda Items on file in the Legislative Assistant’s Office and on the City website on 4/3/2025.
NOTICE: Members of the Council will meet as a committee of the whole (C.O.W.) immediately
following this public hearing in accordance with a separate C.O.W meeting notice.
Noticed: Council Members Mayor’s Office Department Heads
Dan Garrick, Director of Finance
Kara Prunty, Assistant Director of Finance (Budgets & Grants)
Joanne Sterk, Assistant Finance Director (Operations)
Posted: Town Clerk City Website Information Board The News Times
CITY OF DANBURY
155 DEER HILL AVENUE
DANBURY, CONNECTICUT 06810
www.danbury-ct.gov
ELISA ETCHETO PHONE: 203-797-4514
LEGISLATIVE ASSISTANT FAX: 203-796-1529
e.etcheto@danbury-ct.gov
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MEETING NOTICE
Who: City Council Members
When: 7:30pm*- Thursday, April 24, 2025
or at the conclusion of the Public Hearing if after the above noticed time.
Where: 3rd Floor Council Chambers
City Hall, 155 Deer Hill Avenue
Purpose: Budget Ordinances & Resolutions
1. An Ordinance Appropriating $3,000,000 for Public Improvements in the 2025-2026 Capital
Budget and Authorizing the Issuance of $3,000,000 Bonds of the City to Meet said
Appropriations and Pending the Issuance Thereof the Making of Temporary Borrowings for
Such Purpose.
2. An Ordinance establishing Sewer Rates as of July 1, 2025
3. An Ordinance establishing Water Rates as of July 1, 2025
4. A Resolution regarding Neighborhood Assistance Act
5. A Resolution regarding CT Municipal Redevelopment Authority
*Agenda Items on file in the Legislative Assistant’s Office and on the City website on 4/3/2025.
Noticed: Council Members Mayor’s Office Department Heads
Dan Garrick, Director of Finance
Kara Prunty, Assistant Director of Finance (Budgets & Grants)
Joanne Sterk, Assistant Finance Director (Operations)
Posted: Town Clerk Information Board City website The News Times
1
2a
2b
3a
3b
3c
3d
3e
4
City of Danbury
2025 Neighborhood Assistance Act Applications
Applications received by April 10, 2025 deadline - for Public Hearing
Agency Program Amount
Amos House Energy Upgrades $ 150,000.00
Ann's Place, Inc Clinical Wellness Cancer Support $ 50,000.00
The Center for Empowerment and Education Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Program Services $ 85,000.00
CT Institute for Communities, Inc CIFC Health $ 150,000.00
Daily Bread, An Ecumenical Food Pantry, Inc. Charitable Food Distribution Services $ 150,000.00
Danbury Fire Department Firefighter Training & Equipment $ 50,000.00
Completion/Start of Internal Renovation of Batallion
Danbury Volunteer Battalion Thirty-one, Inc Headquarters $ 50,000.00
Danbury War Memorial Association, Inc Replacement of Restroom Fixtures $ 15,000.00
Capital Improvements-parking lot resurface, handicap
Danbury Youth Services accessible, replace AC units $ 52,500.00
Danbury Youth Services Danbury Juvenile Review Board (JRB) $ 20,000.00
Danbury Youth Services Youth & Family Counseling $ 20,000.00
Home Visiting Programs: Healthy Families and Parents as
Families Network of Western CT Teachers Programs $ 75,000.00
Families Network of Western CT Parent Leadership Programs $ 50,000.00
Friends of the Danbury Museum and
Historical Society Equitable Access - Community Space $ 46,800.00
Friends of the Danbury Museum and
Historical Society Equitable Access - Tours $ 20,800.00
Friends of the Danbury Museum and
Historical Society Equitable Access - Paid Summer Internships $ 28,800.00
Friends of the Danbury Museum and
Historical Society Equitable Access - Research $ 20,800.00
Friends of the Danbury Museum and Equitable Access - Historic Commemorative 250th
Historical Society anniversary programming $ 32,800.00
Harambee Creative Exploration Experience (Harembee
The Harambee Center, Inc CEE) $ 23,200.00
The Harambee Center, Inc Harambee Supportive Counseling Program (S.C.P) $ 30,100.00
Harambee Danbury Elementary & Middle School Academic
The Harambee Center, Inc Support Project (A.S.A.P) $ 46,624.00
Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield Junior Achievement's Financial Literacy & Work Readiness
County, Inc Programs for Danbury Youth $ 45,000.00
Regional Hospice Patient Care Fund $ 50,000.00
Renewal House Renewal House $ 15,000.00
United Way of Coastal and Western ct Cora's Kids Family Child Care Network $ 150,000.00
$ 1,427,424
G:\NAA-Neighborhood Assistance Act\NAA 2025\2025 NAA Applicants
RESOLUTION
CITY OF DANBURY, STATE OF CONNECTICUT
2025
RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DANBURY
WHEREAS the State of Connecticut Department of Revenue Services has announced the
2025 Neighborhood Assistance Act Program (NAA) is available;
WHEREAS the NAA Program provides tax credits for businesses that contribute to
community programs that have received both municipal and state approval;
WHEREAS certain local and area organization submit applications for these community
programs that meet the State criteria for tax credits through the City of Danbury with no
local matching funds required;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the City of Danbury through its City
Council, hereby approves, subject to a public hearing as required by law, those
organizations who will apply for participation in the Neighborhood Assistance Act
Program, and authorize Roberto Alves, Mayor of the City of Danbury, to take such
actions as may be necessary for the accomplishment of the purposes hereof.
5
RESOLUTION
CITY OF DANBURY, STATE OF CONNECTICUT
2025
RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DANBURY
WHEREAS, the Connecticut Municipal Redevelopment Authority (the “Authority”), a body politic and
corporate, constituting a public instrumentality and political subdivision of the State of Connecticut has
been established pursuant to section 8-169ii of the Connecticut General Statutes (the “General Statutes”);
and
WHEREAS, the Authority was created for the performance of an essential public and governmental
function, including for the purposes set forth in section 8-169jj of the General Statutes to: (1) Stimulate
economic and transit-oriented development, as defined in section 13b-79kk of the General Statutes, within
Connecticut Municipal Redevelopment Authority development districts; (2) encourage residential
housing development within development districts; (3) manage facilities through contractual agreement
or other legal instrument; (4) stimulate new investment within development districts and provide support
for the creation of vibrant, multidimensional downtowns; (5) upon request of the legislative body of a
member municipality, or the legislative bodies of the municipalities constituting a joint member entity, as
applicable, in which a development district is located, work with such municipality or municipalities to
assist in development and redevelopment efforts to stimulate the economy of such municipality or
municipalities; (6) upon request of the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management and with the
approval of the chief executive officer of a member municipality, or the chief executive officers of the
municipalities constituting a joint member entity, as applicable, in which a development district is located,
enter into an agreement to facilitate development or redevelopment within such development district;
(7) encourage development and redevelopment of property within development districts; (8) engage
residents of member municipalities, or municipalities constituting a joint member entity, as applicable,
and other stakeholders in development and redevelopment efforts; (9) market and develop development
districts as vibrant and multidimensional; and (10) provide financial support and technical assistance to
municipalities to develop housing growth zones; and
WHEREAS, according to Section 8-169ll of the General Statutes, a municipality may, by certified
resolution of the legislative body of the municipality, opt to join the Authority as a member municipality,
provided such municipality holds a public hearing prior to any vote on such certified resolution; and
WHEREAS, the CITY of DANBURY held such a public hearing on [DATE] pursuant to the Notice
attached hereto; and
WHEREAS, the Danbury City Council has found that joining the Authority as a member municipality
would support the City’s efforts to stimulate economic development and foster the purposes outlined in
Section 8-169jj within the City of Danbury and accordingly desires to join the Authority as a member
municipality; and
WHEREAS; the Danbury City Council desires to further authorize the Mayor of the City of Danbury to
enter into a memorandum of agreement or other similar agreements with the Authority to create one or
more development districts within Danbury to advance the purposes contained in Section 8-169jj.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
Section 1. The Danbury City Council hereby approves the City of Danbury joining the Authority
as a member municipality.
Section 2. The Mayor of the City of Danbury is authorized to take or cause to be taken such
actions, including, but not limited to, the negotiation and execution of any memorandum of agreement on
behalf of the City of Danbury with the Authority and any other agreements, instruments and documents,
that such official deems necessary, appropriate or desirable to implement the terms of any such
memorandum of agreement and consummate the intention of this and the resolution.
Section 3. This Resolution shall be effective as of the date of approval.
Get email alerts for Danbury
A daily email when new agendas and minutes are posted.