Sherry J. Branch

Key discussions included recognizing a refuse driver, Doug Haiko, as a hero for saving a choking child. A public hearing was held regarding the proposed 'School Bus Stop Arm Program and Enforcement' Ordinance, which was subsequently approved unanimously by the Council. The Administration provided updates on several items: scheduling stakeholder meetings for the Daniel's Mill Remediation Project, reviewing budget dates for the 2026-2027 Capital Improvement Plan, announcing several events at the New England Civil War Museum, and setting dates for Police and Fire Department Annual Awards, Vernon Little League Opening Day, and the Annual Town Meeting. The Council also approved budget meeting dates for FY 2026-2027 deliberations and scheduled the Annual Town Meeting as the final public hearing for the budget. Authorization was granted for the Mayor to apply for the 2026 Summer Youth Employment and Learning Program. A pending item regarding CCM was tabled pending further inquiry by the Mayor.

The meeting included the recognition of a refuse driver, Doug Haiko, for heroically assisting a choking child. A public hearing was held to receive comments regarding the proposed "School Bus Stop Arm Program and Enforcement" ordinance, which the Council subsequently approved unanimously. The Administration presented updates, including scheduling dates for the 2026-2027 Capital Improvement Projects review and the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget Deliberations, as well as announcing several upcoming community events, including the Annual Town Meeting. The Council also authorized the Mayor to apply for the 2026 Summer Youth Employment and Learning Program. A discussion was held regarding the Vernon Voice Magazine. The motion to approve the minutes from the January 20, 2026 meeting was tabled to allow for an addition concerning Pickleball Courts.

The regular meeting included a Citizens Forum where members discussed the powers of the Mayor and Council, and the departure of a former council member. The Council voted unanimously to endorse Jeremy Geller for the vacated seat of Ariana Nieves, effective December 16, 2025. The Council entered executive session to discuss negotiations regarding a tax settlement with Prospect and MPT, subsequently authorizing the Mayor to negotiate this settlement. Consent agenda items involved approving tax refunds for prior and current years, and several reappointments and appointments to various boards and commissions, including the Water Pollution Control Authority, Human Services Advisory Commission, Board of Ethics, Inland Wetlands Regulatory Commission, Planning and Zoning Commission, Vernon Traffic Authority, Capital Improvements Committee, Economic Development Commission, Cemetery Commission, and Permanent Municipal Building Committee. Additional New Business included motions authorizing the Mayor to apply for and receive grants related to Aquatic Invasive Species and the America 250 Commemoration, updates on the RFP for town-owned building evaluations, status of Citizens Block, discussion on new pickleball courts, and an update regarding a resident's concern from the Citizens Forum. The minutes for the previous meeting of December 2, 2025, were approved.

The regular meeting included citizen comments regarding the powers of the Town Council. Agenda items discussed by the Council included Council Training, replacing a Seat on the Council, and the Appointment of Planning and Zoning. The administration introduced two new police officers, Officer Jordan Roberts and Officer Daniel D'Alessandro, and the Mayor provided updates on upcoming community events such as the Rockville High School Football playoff game, Winterfest, and the Arctic Splash, noting the resignation of Council member Ariana Nieves. The Council approved tax refunds totaling $911.57 and approved budget amendment requests for FY25 #22, #23, #24, and #25. Furthermore, the Council unanimously approved the disposal of fixed assets requested by the Vernon Board of Education. During new business, a nomination was made to fill a Chair position on the Council, and further discussion occurred regarding appointments to the Planning & Zoning Commission.

The agenda for the regular meeting included several items. Presentations were scheduled from the Mayor on various topics and from the Superintendent of Schools regarding an update on the Board of Education's 10-Year Facility Study and Master Plan Committee. The consent agenda involved actions such as approving tax refunds for prior and current years, and approving several mayoral appointments to the Board of Ethics and the Local Historic Properties Commission. Additionally, approval was sought for the disposal of fixed assets for the Data Processing Department. New business included adopting local options provided under Public Act 25-168 (2025) related to veterans' benefits, a discussion of the 2024 Municipal Audit findings, an update on pickleball courts, a summary of information regarding Hartford Hospital's acquisition of the local hospital, planning for budget deliberations, and discussion of CCM. The Council also scheduled a public hearing for a proposed ordinance concerning the School Bus Stop Arm Program and Enforcement. The meeting concluded with motions to waive the reading and adopt the minutes from the December 16, 2025 meeting, and three separate executive sessions were moved to discuss a tentative workers' compensation claim settlement, contract negotiations for the Information Technologies Department, and contract negotiations for the Collector of Revenue position.