Jody Bishop-Pullan

The meeting focused on Old Business items, primarily updates from the Transportation, Traffic & Parking Department and the Police Department/Public Safety. Transportation updates included progress on implementing the Vision Zero Action Plan, noting active construction for the Bedford & Forest St. Pedestrian Plaza and near completion of work on Pacific Street. The development of a Vision Zero Road Safety Educational Campaign, progress on approving 14 Speed Safety Cameras for installation before the 2026-27 school year, and plans for upgrading 28 bus shelters by the end of 2026 were discussed. Also addressed were the review of corner parking restriction signs in East Side and Cove neighborhoods, and 2026 crosswalk re-striping plans focusing on high pedestrian areas. Police updates detailed the compilation of crash data, noting a 62% decrease in fatal pedestrian crashes in 2025, a proposal to increase manpower in the traffic unit by one officer, and plans to attempt a Traffic Safety Day.

The City of Stamford's 5-year Invasive Species Management Plan provides a strategic framework to understand, assess, and control invasive plant species across its 32 municipal parks. The plan aims to enhance biodiversity, promote climate resilience, and achieve ecological and social benefits such as improved water quality and public health. Key strategies include prioritizing management efforts using a triage system, fostering community engagement and education on native plants, maintaining vigilance against new invasions through monitoring and early treatment, and containing the spread of established invasive populations.

This report outlines the City of Stamford's recommended safe debt limit and capital-spending plan for fiscal years 2012-2016. It details proposed annual debt issuance limits, considering capital needs, legal debt limitations, impact on the City's credit rating, and future operating budgets. The plan also addresses a transition to a project-specific capital projects funding methodology, aiming to ensure sound financial planning and maintain the City's strong credit quality.

This Capital Book for the City of Stamford outlines capital project requests and funding forecasts for the period spanning fiscal years 2027 through 2033. It includes detailed summaries for the FY 2026-2027 Capital Budget, presenting proposed investments across various municipal departments and non-city agencies. Key strategic priorities include infrastructure upgrades for schools, public safety, parks, and city facilities, alongside initiatives for technology modernization, environmental sustainability, and affordable housing development, with specified funding sources.

Old business discussions included updates from the Transportation, Traffic & Parking Department, specifically regarding the Long Ridge Road sidewalk construction which is pending contract approval, updates on the Citywide ADA Transition Plan and Inventory kickoff, and progress on the Bedford Street/Forest Street project. Further discussion focused on the Soundview Avenue sidewalk extension. Updates for the Police Department/Public Safety were noted as unavailable. A significant portion of the meeting involved the final review and potential approval of the Stamford Vision Zero Action Plan, which included graphic overhauls for succinctness and a focus on Chapter III detailing pedestrian safety zones and Chapter IV outlining current construction projects. An overview of the mandated pedestrian safety zone map, which opens up funding opportunities, was presented, leading to discussion on a proposed city ordinance to initiate these building projects, which will eventually advance to the city Board of Representatives.