Joshua N. Bernegger

Key discussions included tabling the Election of Officers until the following month's meeting. Correspondence included a revised invitation for a webinar on January 16, 2026. The Director of Parks, Recreation, Senior and Social Services provided updates on the Pre-Procurement session for the next senior bus and presented budget highlights, which will be presented to the Town Council on March 2, 2026. New business emphasized the importance of vaccinations for vulnerable citizens.

The Special Town Meeting was convened to elect a Moderator and a Town Meeting Clerk, both motions passing unanimously. The primary agenda item involved the consideration and subsequent authorization of an appropriation totaling $1,772,148.20 from the General Fund for the Communications Upgrade Project. These funds are specifically allocated to utilize money received through the Jahana Hayes Communications Upgrade Grant. The Police Chief provided an overview of the project, which involves towers and radios, after which the motion to appropriate the funds passed by voice vote.

The Town Council meeting addressed several key items. New business included scheduling a Special Town Meeting to authorize an appropriation of $1,772,148.20 from the General Fund for the Communications Upgrade Project, funded by the Jahana Hayes Communications Upgrade Grant. The Council also approved a resolution to transfer funds between line items for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 to cover expenses from significant weather-related response efforts, and approved a resolution authorizing the payment of tax refunds. During an executive session, pending litigation regarding the Siemon Realty Company Tax Appeal was discussed, though a subsequent motion to postpone settlement of this appeal passed. A motion to add consideration for removing and replacing the Town Attorney failed to pass.

The meeting established the purpose of the bipartisan committee, which is to review the history of the Waterberry water and sewer lawsuit and recommend safeguards, policies for public information, and changes to the relationship between the town council and the water and sewer authority. Ground rules for participation were reviewed. Public participation included questions regarding a rumored $10,000 settlement offer and a request to expand the list of interviewees to include current and former WSA members and town council members to understand decisions made in executive session regarding underpayments and the decision to appeal. The committee heard from attorney Franklin Pillsy regarding the annual budget process, noting that the Water and Sewer Authority budget is typically prepared separately and presented for final referendum approval. Attorney Pillsy also provided historical context on past rate disputes. Attorney Jessel subsequently described the budget approval process and referenced his April 2020 memo recommending vigorous defense of the lawsuit and immediate rate increases, which he confirmed were intended to occur concurrently.

Key discussions during the meeting involved Waterbury's application of interest rates for water and sewer services, which led to an executive session concerning the retaining of legal counsel and an accountant. The Council also reviewed a presentation and took action regarding the installation of speed cameras in Watertown, ultimately sending the matter to the ordinance committee. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to considering numerous appointments and reappointments to various town boards and commissions, including the Commission on Aging, Conservation Commission, Constables, Economic Development, Park and Recreation Commission, Planning and Zoning, Police Commission, Public Buildings Committee, Torrington Area Health, Watertown Historic District Commission, Water and Sewer Authority, Watertown Housing Authority, and Watertown Library Board of Trustees. New business also included authorizing appropriations for the final closeout of the State of Connecticut Polk School Elementary Project and allocating donated funds to the Watertown Dog Fund. Modifications to the wage schedule for Part Time Transfer Station Attendant and Seasonal Laborer positions were authorized, as was a resolution for tax refunds. The executive session also covered pending litigation related to the Siemon Realty Company Tax Appeal, which was subsequently authorized for settlement.