City Council

~AD HOC REPORT~ Dollar General Foundation Youth Literacy Grant Thursday, April 23, 2026 Chair Robinson called the meeting to order at 6p.m. on Thursday, April 23, 2026. Present were Committee Members Ben Chianese and Mike Henry. From the City were Taylor O’Brien, Chief of Staff, Mayor’s Office; Kaitlin Gruse, Assistant Corporation Counsel; Katie Pearson, Library Director; Julia Denen, Innovation and Sustainability Librarian, Danbury Public Library; Dan Garrick, Director of Finance; Kara Prunty, Assistant Director of Finance (Budgets and Grants). From the public was John Neumuller. Chair Robinson explained the grant being reviewed. Member Henry asked how many grants the library applies for; Ms. Denen estimated that they have applied for ten to fifteen grants since she began, and that this was not the first grant they applied for this year. Ms. Denen explained that the Dollar General Foundation provides multiple grant opportunities; their summer reading grant was awarded to the City last year, and this grant is in the amount of $5,000 will assist with literacy programs including lessons with parents in multiple languages. She confirmed that the grant is annual, and they would have to apply again next year to continue the program. Member Henry asked about additional funding sources including the Friends of Danbury Library; Ms. Pearson confirmed that the Friends provide funds for programs and grants are also provided by them because they are a 501c3. Chair Robinson asked if technology was being funded or used by this grant; Ms. Denen confirmed that this grant will fund the purchase of laptops as well as teaching materials and books. A motion was made by Member Chianese, and seconded by Member Henry, that the ad hoc committee recommend that the City Council receive the communication and approve the amended resolution authorizing the City of Danbury to apply for and accept the Dollar General Foundation Youth Literacy Grant as presented. Motion Carried Unanimously. A motion was made by Member Chianese, and seconded by Chair Robinson, to adjourn. Motion Carried Unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 6:06p.m. Respectfully submitted, Holly Robinson, Chair; Ben Chianese and Mike Henry