Jennifer Acquino

The committee meeting focused on administrative and operational matters. Key discussions included the unanimous approval of a transfer request for Fiscal Year 2025 from General Government Buildings and another transfer request for FY25 from the Fire Department. Additionally, there was a discussion regarding the upcoming amendment of Town Ordinance Chapter 157 Fire Safety, specifically Article III and the addition of a new Article IV, which aims to enhance fire safety system monitoring and reduce repetitive inspection visits by the Fire Department. A committee member also reported an upcoming six-month absence from future meetings.

Key discussions included a review of the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget, noting requests for two additional officers and increased expenditures for license plate reader license agreements, marine maintenance, meal supplies, and memberships/meetings. Capital requests for radio replacement will be partially offset by reductions in the fleet replacement line item. Congratulations were extended to Lt. Carangelo for completing an intensive leadership program at Harvard University. The evaluation of dispatch operations by a consultant has commenced. Letters of Recognition were presented to Officer G. Barnes, Officer J. Kenny, Dispatcher Olivia Broderick, and Detective J. Herten. An update on the building renovation project indicated expected move-in near the end of February or beginning of March, with potential delays for the Temporary Certificate of Occupancy due to elevator and server room issues.

The meeting commenced with a thorough and engaging presentation on microgrids. Project overviews included updates on the Miyawaki forest initiative, noting the need for publicity funding, and the status of the Plug-in Solar project awaiting final legislative details. Discussions also covered leaf blowers, encouraging member testimony at the upcoming Rules and Ordinances meeting, and an update on recruitment efforts for potential partners for the Thermal Energy Network project at the Branford town hall. A new business item involved reporting that two submitted proposals for Energize CT Community Energy Boost grants were rejected as they fell outside the designated funding areas.

Key discussions included the status of Fall Tree Plantings, noting an order of 36 trees from Van Wilgen's for storage and future planting, which included red maples, American linden, serviceberry, American sycamore, Princeton elm, and Hackberry. Updates needed for the website were addressed, specifically removing the defunct Tree Request Form and directing users to the DPW site for tree requests via phone, email, or online form. The budget proposal submitted by the chair was acknowledged. The CFC Speaker Event featuring Les Welker was moved to April 1, 2026, requiring CFC members to arrange refreshments during the March meeting. Plans for the Tree "Whip" Give-away were discussed, with 150 tree whips ordered, and the event date dependent on delivery, scheduled for either April 25 or May 16. The commission will brainstorm Arbor Day Planting locations during the March meeting. Progress on the Proposed Landscaping Ordinance 6.3 was noted as encouraging. A report from the Regional Tree Commissions indicated that the group, now Citizen Advocates for Trees, is investigating utility work committee representation. New business included consideration by the RTM's Rules and Ordinance committee to phase out fossil-fuel powered leaf blowers. Eversource's 2026 vegetation management plan for Branford was received and will be distributed to members.

Actions taken at the Regular meeting include the approval of a Bond Release for 47 Gould Lane and the approval of two Bond Releases for 60 Maple Street. The notice indicates it will be published in "The Sound" Newspaper on Thursday, March 19, 2026.