Jennifer Bausch

The Board of Selectmen discussed the town's financial reporting timeline, emphasizing the need for timely and transparent financial disclosures, particularly regarding the Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) financials. The Board reviewed a request to reestablish the town's Adopt-a-Road program. Several appointments and reappointments were confirmed for the Director of Public Works, the Inland Wetlands and Water Courses Commission, the Waterfront Commission, the Cultural District Commission, and the Pocket River Harbor Management Commission. Additionally, the Board approved a building permit fee waiver for the Tidalwood School and initiated a review of the current policy regarding building permit fee waivers for nonprofits, specifically evaluating the $10,000 cap per 20-year period.

The Commission discussed several administrative items, including the status of various staff reports and upcoming educational seminars on housing. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing a site plan application and a coastal area management review for the expansion of the Stonington Cemetery Association. Discussion covered the proposed gravel access drives, drainage patterns, preservation of historic pastoral land features, and the decision to maintain a natural vegetative buffer along the cove. The Commission also reviewed requests for waivers regarding landscaping, signage, and lighting for the project.

The commission addressed a site plan modification for a hotel project at 321 Liberty Street, which involved changing the hotel franchise, increasing the building footprint by 1,000 square feet, and updating architectural design elements such as material usage and entrance features. Discussions also included drainage and stormwater management adjustments, including the installation of a hydrodynamic separator and temporary sediment control measures during construction, as well as a request for updates regarding previously denied site work. Public comment focused on the need for diverse and affordable housing opportunities within the town.

The Board of Finance held a public hearing for 2026 budget deliberations. Key topics included the review of budget requests for town and school departments, discussions on the minimum budget requirement statute, and public comments concerning pollution in local waters and the need for public water access. Additionally, concerns were raised regarding the infrastructure of local bridges and the security and data privacy implications of Flock security cameras, with suggestions for implementing tighter data retention and audit policies.

The board conducted interviews for the Inland Wetlands and Water Courses Commission and the Waterfront Commission. Key actions included the formal establishment and appointment of members to a Charter Revision Commission, along with the incorporation of a review regarding potential zoning approvals by town meeting. Additionally, the board approved a building permit fee waiver for a local nonprofit and authorized a street number assignment for a specific property.