City Council
Regular MeetingDanbury, CT · July 22, 2025
Minutes
Margerie Reservoir Trail Advisory Committee (Meeting #15)
July22, 2025
Chair Robinson called the meeting to order at 6:36p.m. on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at the New Fairfield
Community Center. Present were Committee Members: David Day, City of Danbury; Peter Hearn, New
Fairfield; Jeff Main, New Fairfield; Ken Gucker, Alternate, City of Danbury. Absent was Ann Marie
Mellas, Alternate, New Fairfield. There is one Vacancy on the Committee. Also present was Joseph
Mortelliti, Outside Counsel, City of Danbury; and several members of the public.
Chair Robinson completed roll call.
1. Minutes:
Corrections were identified in the minutes from the June 17th meeting.
A motion was made by Member Hearn, seconded by Member Main, to amend the minutes. Motion
carried unanimously.
A motion was made by Member Hearn, seconded by Member Main, to approve the minutes as
amended. Motion carried unanimously.
Chair Robinson noted the resignation of Committee Member Antonio Iadarola.
Chair Robinson discussed the purpose of the committee, the process thus far, and the intent to present a
recommendation regarding the proposed trail to both the Danbury City Council and New Fairfield First
Selectmen once the design process is completed.
2. Public Speaking:
Chair Robinson identified a three-minute limit for each speaker.
Carl Anderson, New Fairfield Resident – Spoke against the trail and discussed his concerns with
congestion, and the need for greater transparency and access to information.
Jim Fandell, New Fairfield Resident – Spoke against the trail and expressed his concerns with the affect
of the trail on the town’s population.
Tom Perkins, New Fairfield Resident – Asked for a breakdown of committed funding for the project.
John Kreise, New Fairfield Resident – Asked about trail parking, security, and costs. He discussed
concerns with overcrowding and water pollution.
Jennifer Pappas, New Fairfield Resident – Spoke about concerns with a trail in Brookfield; identified noise
and car pollution, eagle nest, and safety concerns. Ms. Pappas identified a FOIA request regarding
communication about the project.
John McCartney, New Fairfield Resident – Spoke in favor of the trail as a safe place for children and
seniors. He discussed the online support for the project and the benefits of having a trail in your
community.
Chris Halloway, New Fairfield Resident – Spoke against the trail due to its impact on the environment.
Asked about safety and emergency response on the trail.
Kelly Linquist, New Fairfield Resident – Discussed concerns with the eagle’s nest.
Tom Hicks, New Fairfield Resident & Business Owner – Asked about the impact on businesses, discussed
concerns with safety and increased taxes.
Joseph (inaudible), New Fairfield Resident – Asked about the cost of the trail, maintenance, insurance,
parking, environmental impact, and safety needs.
Melanie Horn, New Fairfield Resident – Asked that a DEEP representative attend a meeting to address
public concerns.
3. Project updates:
Chair Robinson reiterated the purpose of the Committee; specifically, the task of reviewing the
feasibility of the trail so that the finding can be presented to the legislative bodies in Danbury and New
Fairfield.
Member Hearn spoke on the committee’s previous discussion of a new invoice approval process; he
confirmed that New Fairfield has specific approval requirements and therefore all invoices will continue
to be approved by the committee at their regular meetings.
Member Hearn confirmed that he is working on a draft project report (#5) or DEEP that will include
financials in a format that New Fairfield has requested. The First Selectwoman will sign-off on these
reports. He confirmed that he will provide reports and invoices for the agenda moving forward. He
confirmed for Chair Robinson that DEEP project reports #5 and #6 are expected to be submitted in
August.
4. Invoices:
No invoices.
5. 2025 Meeting Schedule:
Chair Robinson suggested that the remaining meetings all take place in New Fairfield due to the
availability of a larger meeting room.
A motion was made by Member Hearn, seconded by Member Main, to approve the meeting schedule
dates; with the August 19th meeting taking place in Danbury. Motion carried unanimously.
Alt. Member Gucker expressed the need for both communities to be able to attend and be involved with
the process. Chair Robinson explained that the location of future meetings will be discussed at the
August meeting.
Member Hearn agreed that a larger space is needed for Danbury meetings.
6. New Business:
Member Hearn spoke on the need for the B&L website to be updated with a Frequently Asked Questions
section to address continues concerns. Chair Robinson noted that estimated costs will come as the
consultant finalizes the design of the trail and spoke on plans for sponsorships and grants to help cover
costs.
Adjournment:
A motion was made by Member Day, and seconded by Member Hearn, to adjourn. The
motion carried unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 7:27pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Holly Robinson, Chair; David Day, Jeff Main, and Peter Hearn.
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, July 22, 2025
6:30PM
Where: New Fairfield Senior/Community Center
33 Route 37, New Fairfield, CT
Purpose: Margerie Reservoir Trail Advisory Committee
Meeting #15
*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 #15)
AGENDA
When: 6:30 PM – Tuesday, June 22, 2025
Where: New Fairfield
Senior Center/ Community Room
______________________________________________________________________________
Call to Order
Roll Call
1. Minutes – June 17, 2025
2. Public Speaking
3. Project updates
4. Invoices – None provided.
5. 2025 meeting Schedule – Vote.
6. New Business
7. Adjournment
1.
Margerie Reservoir Trail Advisory Committee (Meeting #14)
June 17, 2025
Chairman Robinson called the meeting to order at 6:36 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Present were
Committee Members David Day, City of Danbury; Antonio Iadarola, City of Danbury; Peter Hearn, New
Fairfield; Jeff Main, New Fairfield; Ken Gucker, Alternate, City of Danbury. Absent was Ann Marie
Mellas, Alternate, New Fairfield. Also present was Joseph Mortelliti, Outside Counsel, City of Danbury;
Kevin Grindle & Leigh Jones, Barton & Loguidice (B&L); and several members of the public.
1.& 2. Call to Order and Roll Call
A motion was made by Member Hearn, 2nd by Member Main, to add an item to to Item #7 regarding
the establishment of a process for the review and approval of invoices. Motion carried unanimously.
3. Minutes:
A motion was made by Member Hearn, seconded by Member Day, to amend the minutes of March, 25,
2025: Change Route 7 to Route 37. Motion carried unanimously.
A motion was made by Member Hearn, seconded by Member Day, approve the minutes. Motion
carried unanimously.
4. Public Speaking:
Jennifer Pappas, New Fairfield Resident – Expressed concerns with the committee’s process and the lack
of response to public concerns. She identified concerns with buffers, eagle nests, fence lines. She noted
concerns with the New Fairfield website’s lack of committee content.
Holly (inaudible), New Fairfield Resident – Supports the trail.
Carl Anderson, New Fairfield Resident – Noted concerns with the trail’s environmental impact, the
location of the paths, and the disruption that the construction of the trail will have on the community.
Olivia (inaudible), New Fairfield Resident – Spoke in support of the trail and the need.
Gary Benedict, New Fairfield Resident & Property Owner – Identified privacy and access concerns that
will affect his property; 3 & 5 (unidentified road).
Claire (inaudible), Danbury Resident – Supports the trail and suggested walking the Still River Greenway
as a sample of what it this trail could be.
5. Summary of DEEP Application & Meetings
Member Main provided copies of the draft update to the committee.
He identified the submission date as anytime after February 12, 2025; not yet submitted due to meeting
schedule.
Members discussed additional forms and requirements; Alternate Member Gucker spoke on the DEEP’s
review of the eagle’s nest and spoke on their praise of the committee’s work regarding the protection of
wildlife.
Order of agenda items was changed due to technical needs for Item #6.
7. now 6. Outstanding Invoices:
Chair Robinson asked about assigning the approval of invoices to one committee member or using email
to approve invoices.
Member Iadarola confirmed that the New Fairfield Purchasing Agent can begin emailing the committee
invoices and receive approval to pay via email. Mr. Mortelitti noted that if all committee members are on
the email chain then it is considered a “meeting” as the members will be taking action. Chair Robinson
confirmed that she will ask Patti (New Fairfield Purchasing Agent) to email invoices to each member
separately for approval.
B&L Invoice # 10763 ($8,040) –
A motion was made by Member Hearn, seconded by Member Day, to approve Invoice #10763 dated
February 4, 2025. Motion carried unanimously.
B&L Invoice # 11307 ($26,132) –
A motion was made by Member Iadarola, seconded by Member Day, to approve Invoice #11307.
Motion carried unanimously.
6. now 7. Project Updates - B&L:
Mr. Grindle began a powerpoint presentation, he spoke on the Eagles’ Nest walkthrough between B&L
and the DEEP on April 25, 2025. Additional points were: existing trail conditions, existing trail layout,
and trail sections needing special walkway solutions and storm water drainage. Mr. Grindle identified
upcoming project phases including finalizing design and acquiring permits.
Mr. Grindle confirmed the powerpoint will be added to the trail website.
Mr. Day asked about safety needs for the reservoir.
8. Communications to the Committee
None were submitted.
9. Meeting Schedule
Chair Robinson went over dates for the remainder of the year and anticipated agenda topics.
10. Executive Session
A motion was made by Member Main, seconded by Member Day, to enter into Executive Session to
discuss preliminary draft trail designs and associated maps and plans. Motion carried unanimously.
Chair Robinson asked that Committee members, B&L representatives and city personnel stay.
A motion was made by Member Main, seconded by Member Hearn to exit Executive Session. Motion
carried unanimously.
Alternate Member Gucker noted for the record that the plans presented during the Executive Session
consisted of plans discussed in the public powerpoint presentation earlier.
11. Adjournment:
A motion was made by Member Main, and seconded by Member Day, to adjourn. The
motion carried unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at (unknown).
Respectfully submitted,
Holly Robinson, Chair; Antonio Iadarola, David Day, Jeff Main, and Peter Hearn.
Town of New Fairfield City of Danbury
Margerie Reservoir Trail Presentation
Margerie Reservoir Trail Advisory Committee Meeting #14
17 June 2025, 6:30pm, Danbury City Hall
Presentation Agenda
• Margerie Lake Reservoir Trail Eagle Nest Site Walk Meeting
• Date of Site Walk: Friday, 25 April 2025, 10:00AM – 11:00AM
• CT DEEP and B&L
• Existing Conditions
• Existing Conditions Photos at Trail Site: Sheets 1-5
• Current Trail Layout
• Multi-Use Trail Design: Sheets C100-C103
• Trail Sections
• Typical Sections from Overall Plan
• Project Schedule
• Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 4
• Permitting
• Status and Projected Timeline Margerie Lake
Reservoir
Eagle Nest Site Walk – 25 April 2025
Active Bald Eagle Nest
at Reservoir
Active Bald Eagle Nest: Site Walk with CT
DEEP
• Trail alignment at closest point is 200 feet from
active nest (No other nests observed)
• Per CT DEEP & U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
recommendations, a primary buffer zone of up to
330-ft to minimize activity during nesting season;
secondary buffer zone of 660-ft (not required)
• Site walk acknowledged Route 37 (Pembroke
Road) already within disturbed buffer zone
• Adding recreation uses on a parallel adjacent trail
not anticipated to have an adverse effect
• Current proposed trail alignment minimizes
additional impact to nest environment
Northeast Bald Eagle Screening Form
Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA)
• Form created by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS) to comply with Bald and Golden Eagle
Protection Act (BGEPA)
• Set of Guidelines published by the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service in 2007 Active Bald Eagle Nest at Reservoir
• To be completed for each nesting site observed
• Margerie Reservoir Project Category: “Construction &
Development Activities”
• Self-certification form, to be presented as requested &
will determine where USFWS permit is required Disclaimer: Not
from Margerie
Reservoir Site
Existing Conditions – Sheet 1 of 4
Existing Conditions – Sheet 2 of 4
Existing Conditions – Sheet 3 of 4
Existing Conditions – Sheet 4 of 4
Current Trail Layout: C100 (1 of 4)
• Sidewalk extension
at Route
37/Pembroke Road
8% 7% to connect to New
Fairfield Shopping
5% Center
• Storm pipe
extension (blue line)
• Trail is routed to
best minimize steep
slopes – steepest
slopes (>5%) shown
– red dashed area
8% 5%
Current Trail Layout: C101 (2 of 4)
• Storm pipe
extension (blue line)
• Boardwalk
conditions proposed
where trail crosses
wetland conditions
• Trail is routed to
best minimize steep
slopes – steepest
slopes (>5%) shown
– red dashed area
6%
5%
5%
Current Trail Layout: C102 (3 of 4)
• Buffer for existing
bald eagle nest
• Trail is routed to
adjacent to Route
37/Pembroke Road
at farthest point
from eagle nest
• Boardwalk
conditions occur
where trail crosses
wetland conditions
• Existing stone wall
5% conditions to avoid
8%
• Trail is routed to
best minimize steep
8% slopes – steepest
slopes (>5%) shown
– red dashed area
Current Trail Layout: C103 (4 of 4)
• Trail connects to
Danbury Dog Park
• Parking lot is
expanded to
accommodate
additional parking
demands
• Trail is routed to
best minimize steep
slopes
Typical Sections (1 of 2)
• Typical section where trail
passes over wetland conditions
• Typical section where steep
slopes exist at reservoir edge
Typical Sections (2 of 2)
• Storm pipes exist on site
• Storm pipe extensions are
provided to allow for drainage
Precedent Trail Images
Overall Project Schedule – Phase 1 to Phase 4
PHASE 1 PHASE 2 PHASE 3 PHASE 4
Routing Study Preliminary Engineering Design Development Project Bidding
Oct 2024 - Jan 2025 Jan 2025 - April 2025 May 2025 - Aug 2025 Nov 2025
30% Design
Development
Project
MRTAC 50% Design 90% Design Bidding and
Begins!
Meeting #11 Development Development Recommendations
Site Visit
MRTAC Public
11/5/24 Project Kick-Off
Meeting #13 Outreach
12/17/24
3/25/25 Completed
Advisory Committee
Website Mtg #14
Gathering/Assimilation
Issue Bid
Deployment 6/17/25
of Project Info Documents
1/10/25 Eagle Nest Site Visit
4/24/25
Permitting
Permits & Agency Review & Timeline
• Local Inland Wetlands Commissions – 65 days
• Danbury Public Utilities Water Division – 4 months – required?
• CT State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) – 45 days
• CTDEEP & USACE Permit 401/404 – 1 year
• Regulates water quality control and earthwork operations within wetlands
• Eligible for Pre-Construction Notification (PCN)
• GP17 (Recreational Development) / GP18 (Wetland Crossing) / GP19 (Stream Crossing) – 6 months
• CTDEEP Stormwater Discharge – 60-90 days
• >5 acres
• CTDEEP Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) – 3-6 months – required?
• CTDEEP Natural Diversity Data Base (NDDB) – Complete. (Further coordination on State/Federal
Eagle Impact required)
• CTDEEP Flood Management Certification (LWRD)
• CT Department of Public Health (CTDPH) – required?
• CTDOT ROW Encroachment – 6 weeks
BartonandLoguidice.com
5.
Margerie Reservoir Trail Advisory Committee
2025 Meeting Schedule
______________________________________________________________________________
All meetings begin at 6:30pm
August 19
City Hall - Danbury
September 16
Senior/Community Center, New Fairfield
October 21
City Hall - Danbury
November 18
Senior/Community Center, New Fairfield
December 16
City Hall - Danbury
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