Rina Bakalar

The meeting addressed several agenda items related to permit approvals within regulated areas. New business involved a permit application for an inground pool and patio at 17 Apple Gate Lane, where the applicant confirmed prior wetland restoration was completed and detailed the new stormwater management plan. Old business included the withdrawal of an application for grade change and plantings at 207 Tashua Road, with the applicant agreeing to third-party reviews for re-application. Permit approval was unanimously granted to IMAG LLC for 24 additional paved parking spaces at 101 Merritt Boulevard, subject to phased conditions focusing on replanting/restoration and submission of a Maintenance Plan. Approval was also unanimously granted to the Town of Trumbull for constructing a new middle school and demolishing the existing one at 530 Daniels Farm Road, contingent upon adhering to general conditions. A separate application for restoration and reconstruction of a residence at 201 Old Dike Road was continued to the next meeting, with the applicant waiving the statutory time frame. Two related applications concerning legalization of improvements at 6 Sycamore Street and Lot 321 Sycamore Street were also continued with waivers granted. A field inspection schedule was set for two applications.

Key discussions included a report on the pump stations tour conducted on February 26, 2026, noting concrete issues at the Beardsley pump station. The authority discussed the upcoming expiration of the agreement with Bridgeport WPCA and the need to negotiate an extension. The WPCA was awarded an earmark grant of $1.1 million for the Beardsley force main replacement. New business involved the approval of an emergency repair invoice for the Wildwood Pump Station and the approval of the FY2026-2027 Operating Budget, which included a 3% rate increase from Bridgeport and noted that $50,000 allocated for unexpected repairs might be insufficient. Old business featured an update on the 2026 Capital Improvement Plan bond issuance. Additionally, the commission addressed a sanitary sewer connection request for 2135-2145 & 2155 Reservoir Avenue, resulting in approval contingent on a $400,000 developer contribution toward upgrading the sewer pipe from 8-inch to 10-inch, which was estimated to cost $720,000 for the town's portion.

The agenda for the meeting included discussions regarding National Night Out, Touch a Truck, Spring Fling Fundraiser, a LivFree event, BMX Nationals layout, and the Annual Softball Tournament. Correspondence addressed issues regarding age policy versus grade-level policy for travel camps, citing unfair exclusion of children based on age cutoffs. Another correspondence expressed disappointment over the abrupt cancellation of basketball playoff games and requested solutions for completing the season and planning for future open play time. Concerns were also raised about pickleball court reservation policies. Old Business included discussions on the lack of supervision and signage replacement at Gunther Pond, the feasibility of Open Recreation time based on insurance constraints, recent issues at Beaches Park, and the status of a 5K Trail Run Request. New Business focused on logistics for field use during the Hillcrest Rebuild to accommodate user groups. A motion was passed to replace the bench and wildlife sign at Gunther Pond. The Superintendent's Report noted the upcoming move to a new location, staffing needs, and potential grass damage at Beaches.

The Legislation & Administration Committee meeting focused on authorizing the First Selectman to sign commitment to fund documents for several grant applications. Discussions included an intersection improvement project for Old Town Road at Quarry Road, involving state-paid construction costs and town-paid design costs, estimated at approximately $200,000. The committee authorized the submission of funding applications for the Underage Nicotine Prevention Program (UNPP) Community Mini Grants ($10,000 for one year) and the Building Resilient Youth and Communities with Prevention (BRYCWP) program ($125,000 per year for five years) to address underage drinking and cannabis use. Furthermore, applications were authorized for the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Section 5310 Program for both Capital Expenses (to purchase a new 10-passenger van, costing around $70,000) and Operating Funds (requesting $40,000 to $45,000 with a 50% town match for transportation services). Finally, authorization was granted for the Caregiver Services Grant application, seeking $7,500 to $12,000 to supplement staffing, programming, and services for caregivers.

Key discussions included addressing veteran services, particularly mental health support and PTSD resources, following a public comment. The Commission adopted a draft letter expressing sentiment in favor of expediting efforts to revisit the issue of building a new senior/community center, recommending against waiting the two years required by the Charter, and agreeing to forward this to the First Selectman and Town Council/Public Works Sub-Committee. An update was provided on the veteran's center construction funding and timeline. Participation in COACT, a statewide initiative coordinating Commissions on Aging, was noted. The Senior Center report detailed upcoming events such as an 'Ask the Experts' panel, a senior living community tour, and the launch of a new wellness group focused on doctor visits and MyChart. The Commission also discussed scheduling future presentations on Medicare changes and computer fraud scams.