Borough of Litchfield

The documentation covers both Public Hearings and a Regular Meeting held on the same day. The Public Hearings portion involved seating alternate Commissioners as regular members. A key discussion item was Application #2638 from Christopher Verrilli to replace all windows at 132 Meadow St, which was reviewed, and guidance was sought regarding future applications for the portico and siding due to a prior fire. The subsequent Regular Meeting included the approval of Application #2638 for window replacement. Other business involved reviewing the Historic District Commission pamphlet to confirm necessary updates to the email and street address before printing. There were no new applications reviewed.

The Commission conducted multiple public hearings concerning applications for property modifications, including rebuilding and modifying a garage, installing a stockade fence, and installing a 500-gallon propane tank. These initial applications were held over pending submission of further details. During the subsequent Regular Meeting, the Commission reviewed several new applications for Certificates of Appropriateness, involving demolition and rebuilding of a garage, window replacements, and installation of propane tanks. They also discussed the placement of a historic date plaque and agreed that a temporary ice skating rink proposed by Public Works did not require an application as it was a temporary structure. Furthermore, the Commission received guidance from the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) regarding potential Section 106 Review support for planned Department of Transportation road changes.

Key discussions included communications regarding the America 250 observance, specifically the request to fly the Betsy Ross flag and the installation of a Revolutionary War Monument stone with a plaque on the Center Green. The Board also addressed ongoing correspondence with the Connecticut Department of Transportation concerning proposed route changes and handled inquiries about obtaining the Borough Code. Multiple public participation items involved approving several event applications scheduled for 2026, including a Revolutionary War Monument Dedication, an Independence Day Celebration, a Fife and Drum Performance, and the installation of flower baskets by the Litchfield Garden Club, all subject to insurance requirements. New Business covered investigating Derwin-Borough Property Boundaries and Splits, and establishing expectations for sidewalk snow removal, with the Board agreeing to draft a letter to include with the Tax Bill. The Treasurer's Report included the approval of bills totaling $20,187.30.

Key discussions included handling a request from the Historic Preservation Trust to use the meeting room (which was denied with suggestions offered), and addressing an email query about unanswered messages after discovering a non-functional website contact button which has since been fixed. The Board discussed the HDC Chair's intent for the HDC to serve as a consultant in the 106 Review, and updates were provided on complaint letters sent regarding snow removal violations at 41 and 50 North Street. In new business, a review of the Annual Financial Report by Clermont Associates was presented. The Board moved to request the Borough be listed as a consultant for the HDC 106 Review. A joint meeting with the Town Board of Selectmen was proposed for March 31st. Regarding old business, ARPA funds are depleted, and efforts are underway to review the codebook, including coordination with the website administrator to convert text for member input. An update on sidewalks included plans for annual inspections, rating, standards, and a 10-year plan. The Treasurer's report included payment of bills.

The key discussion topic for this meeting was a presentation on the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) Budget. The presentation included details on projected revenue, the proposed budget breakdown by category, factors driving the budget increase, and historical and proposed staffing levels by building, along with outlining the next steps.