City of Danbury

The meeting addressed several applications requiring variance relief. Application #25-17, concerning a side yard setback reduction for a newly constructed home at 44 South King Street, was approved as the minimum variance necessary for reasonable use, despite neighbor opposition citing privacy concerns and potential self-created hardship. Application #25-18 involved a request to reduce the front yard setback for an addition at 215 Brushy Hill Road, which was approved, as the hardship was deemed site-specific due to the lot's topography and pre-existing non-conforming structure. Application #26-01 regarding setback reductions and grading for construction at 8 South Cornell Road was tabled until the next meeting at the request of the applicants. Additionally, discussion and voting on proposed By-Law Revisions were tabled until a five-member board is present.

The ad hoc committee convened to discuss the nomination of Michael Safranek for the position of Constable to fill the vacancy left by Louise McMahon. Key discussion points included confirming Mr. Safranek's current party affiliation (Republican), which must match the vacating official per State Statute 9-220. Mr. Safranek detailed past services provided to various City Departments, including fee waivers for urgent deliveries. Discussions also covered whether Mr. Safranek could continue his other city roles (Airport Administrator and Hearing Officer) and if he used non-work time for constable duties, confirming he uses his lunch/break time for urgent deliveries. The committee unanimously passed a motion to recommend that the City Council appoint Mr. Michael Safranek as Constable.

The meeting covered new business items including Application #1261 for the removal and replacement/upgrade of a swimming pool, shed, and terrace at 134 Chambers Road, which was tabled pending further detail regarding stream bank stabilization wall heights and bridge footings. Application #1262 for a ten-lot subdivision at 193-207 Great Plain Road was deemed incomplete due to an outdated soils report. Under old business, Application #1258 concerning construction of a cart barn, renovation of a comfort station, and creation of a driving range at 227-297 Joes Hill Road was approved, with the applicant conceding to the five-year invasive species monitoring requirement. Application #1260 for an addition and deck construction at 10 Albert Road was also approved. The Commission also noted several active Notices of Violation, and received an update from the Working Group regarding the edited version of the Regulations.

The City Council meeting agenda was extensive, focusing heavily on various appointments across multiple city bodies, including the Constable, Environmental Impact Commission, Board of Ethics, Board of Assessment Appeals, Zoning Board of Appeals, Danbury Museum & Historical Society, and Zoning Commission. Key business items included a resolution for the refunding of General Obligation Bonds and a funding amendment for the CT DECD Office of Brownfield Remediation and Development. Lease renewals for Tango Yankee LLC (Business Aircraft Center) at the airport and Danbury Duck Pin Bowling were also addressed. The council reviewed departmental reports from Police, Fire, Public Works, and others. Furthermore, the council adopted ordinances pertaining to the operation of all-terrain vehicles/dirt bikes (Sec. 46-3) and street takeovers (Sec. 46-6), and finalized changes to definitions and penalties related to housing inspectors (Sec. 20-99 and Sec. 20-137). Finally, the council approved the establishment of an ad hoc committee concerning the School District and adopted a resolution concerning the CT City and Town Development Act, alongside authorizing the issuance and sale of Revenue Bonds not to exceed $100 Million.

The meeting included the approval of minutes from a previous regular meeting and a special meeting held in January 2026. Key discussions involved personnel updates, specifically noting new hires for the positions of Sanitarian and Librarian. New business focused on the certification of the Cashier eligibility list, which was certified to expire in February 2027.