Town of Woodbridge

The meeting included a discussion of the committee's charge and a review of work completed and presented at the Tri-Board meeting in September. Key discussion centered on reviewing processes and options for meeting the June 30th, 2026 grant application deadline. The committee discussed Option D3, considering its low cost and minimal disruption, while raising concerns about capacity related to pending housing projects and the goal of preschool expansion. A motion was passed to engage Antinozzi and Associates to scale Option D3 based on the 2023 Prowda Enrollment Study projections, specifically expanding the number of preschool classrooms to six, and to provide an updated cost estimation. The committee also discussed obtaining consultant recommendations and proposals for pre-referendum communications.

The meeting included a review of reports and personnel matters for both the Police Commissioners and the Traffic Authority. The Financial Report indicated that the police department utilized 69% of its budget, with overtime budgets at 172% and Dispatch Overtime at 132%, attributed partly to contractual staffing minimums, vacancies, injuries, and weather events. The Activity Report noted nineteen criminal arrests in January, covering charges such as Breach of Peace and Violation of a Protective Order, along with statistics on motor vehicle stops and accidents. The Investigative Services Unit handled four new investigations, including a stolen motor vehicle, fraud, a robbery/carjacking incident, and a burglary. The School Resource Officer reported on a successful 'Secure the School Drill.' The Animal Control Report detailed 88 calls for service across several towns. The Chief of Police updated the board on the need for renovations to the police building, particularly locker rooms, bathrooms, and prisoner detention areas, and noted the presentation of the operating and capital budget to the BOS/BOF. Personnel updates included information on extended absences for one officer and one dispatcher, and progress reports for newly hired Officer Zuscin, Officer Wyner, Officer Hwang, and Dispatcher Toth. The Traffic Authority approved a request for a 'No Parking Commercial Vehicle - Overnights Hours' sign on South Bradley Road.

Key discussions included the status of budget lines, specifically noting that the phone budget exceeds projections while the part-time staff line is on track. State Grant funds were used for the annual museum pass software fee, and book club funds were utilized for new book sets. A significant impact on costs is anticipated due to Meriden's departure from the LION consortium, potentially affecting the Overdrive collection budget and the provision of computers. Officer elections confirmed the incumbent Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary will continue in their roles, and Jackie will join the Policy committee. Regarding the 100th Anniversary Gala, it was decided to use the Yudkin Family gift and interest funds from the 405 account for expenses, pending a formal budget. The Commission is preparing for a potential flat-funded budget for FY2027 due to state aid cuts and town budget constraints, which may necessitate a reduction in operating hours.

The meeting commenced with a discussion where the committee lacked a quorum, preventing any motions or votes from taking place. Committee members present received an update regarding the grant application process, were debriefed on the triboard meeting presentation, and discussed potential subsequent actions. The committee plans to formally review this information during the next scheduled meeting.

The joint meeting addressed the financing for the Fire Department ladder truck, resulting in the approval of a 10-year lease quote from M&T Bank with a 4.112% interest rate. Key discussions also included Capital Budget presentations from the Fire Chief, detailing requests for HVAC replacement, engine lease payments, air packs, vehicle replacements, radio communications upgrades, AED pads, hydrant work, UPS replacement, and Engine 2 replacement. The Fire Chief also presented an operating budget request with a 0.89% increase. Contributions and operating budget requests were presented for Amity Regional School District #5 and the Board of Selectman, along with revenue estimates for FY 2027.