On the agenda: Cheshirect Town Council — Flock camera (Sep 8)

MINUTES OF THE TOWN OF CHESHIRE
TOWN COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
7:00 PM, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2026
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 84 SOUTH MAIN ST., CHESHIRE, CT 06410
Present:
Peter Talbot, Don Walsh, David Borowy, Fiona Pearson, Greg Wolff, Jim Jinks, Lou Todisco, Deb
Manke
Staff/Guests: Sean M. Kimball, Town Manager; Andrew Martelli, Assistant Town Manager; Town
Attorney Jeffrey Donofrio; Jim Jaskot, Finance Director; Noelle Shepard, Management Specialist
Absent:
Tricia Cramer
Peter Talbot called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
1. ROLL CALL
Noelle Shepard called the roll, and a quorum was present.
Peter Talbot took a moment to recognize two long-time members of Town of Cheshire boards and
committees who had recently passed - Barbara Ecke and Harold Kramer.
2.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

3.

PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
A.

Update on the Cheshire Multimodal Transportation Study.

Marcy Miller, Consultant Project Manager for IMEG, introduced herself and Jim Redecker. She
provided a brief update as to where they are with the multimodal transportation study and overviewed
the purpose and timeline. She reviewed the methods that they utilized for community engagement
including - pop up tabling events, stakeholder meetings, etc. On Wednesday, September 30th 6pm at
the Cheshire Public Library, they will be introducing their recommendations in the draft plan and will
look to get comments from members of the public. Don Walsh publicly invited State legislators to
attend this meeting. Fiona Pearson inquired about bus routes to the North End, and Marcy Miller
confirmed that there are recommendations on this including bus shelters. Peter Talbot asked for the
workshop at the Library on September 30th to be filmed for the public to view.
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September 8, 2026 Town Council Meeting

B.

Public comments.

Joanna Debear, 11 Shire Court, discussed rain gardens as a part of storm water control. She explained
that studies show rain gardens can absorb more than traditional lawns. She referenced a report that was
previously done for Cheshire that recommended 9 sites throughout town.
Joanna Giddings, 503 Oak Ridge Drive, addressed stormwater management and the value of rain
gardens and supporting the ecosystem to manage stormwater. She discussed closely monitoring
development compliance with state stormwater laws. She reviewed some example regulations and
referenced those from the Town of Hamden.
Joe Kowalski, 1038 Avon Boulevard, asked the Town Council to consider taking the Flock cameras
down.
Tim Slocum explained that in August, the Cheshire Land Trust voted unanimously to spend $500,000
to work with Town of Cheshire on the conservation easement of the former Norton Farms property contingent upon the approval of the Town of Cheshire. This agreement would protect the land in
perpetuity.
4.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A.

Minutes of August 13, 2026 Special Meeting; August 18, 2026 Special Meeting; August 26,
2026 Special Meeting; September 1, 2026 Special Meeting.

Greg Wolff motioned to approve the minutes of the August 13, 2026 special meeting; August 18, 2026
special meeting; August 26, 2026 special meeting; September 1, 2026 special meeting. David Borowy
seconded the motion. All in favor, the motion passed unanimously by those present, 8-1.
5.

CONSENT CALENDAR
A.

Acceptance and appropriation of a $30,000 donation from Linda Buckley in memory of
Lillian Buckley to the Cheshire Senior Center Gift Account to be used to support Senior
Center programming.

B.

Acceptance and appropriation of a $100.00 donation from Pamela Orton in memory of
Rachel Chiginsky to the Cheshire Senior Center Gift Account to support Senior Center
programming.

C.

Acceptance and appropriation of a $267.50 donation from Tours of Distinction, Inc. to the
Human Services Gift Account for the Senior Center.

D.

Approval of tax refunds in the amount of $18,581.08.

Fiona Pearson motioned:

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September 8, 2026 Town Council Meeting

BE IT RESOLVED, That the Town Council approves Resolution #090826-1
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Council accepts and appropriates the following donations:
A. Acceptance and appropriation of a $30,000 donation from Linda Buckley in memory of Lillian
Buckley to the Cheshire Senior Center Gift Account to be used to support Senior Center
programming.
B. Acceptance and appropriation of a $100.00 donation from Pamela Orton in memory of Rachel
Chiginsky to the Cheshire Senior Center Gift Account to support Senior Center programming.
C. Acceptance and appropriation of a $267.50 donation from Tours of Distinction, Inc. to the
Human Services Gift Account for the Senior Center.
D. Approval of tax refunds in the amount of $18,581.08.
The motion was seconded by David Borowy. All in favor, the motion passed unanimously by those
present, 8-0.
6.

ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR

7.

OLD BUSINESS
A.

School Building Committee update.

Rich Gusenburg explained that the two school projects are on time and under budget. Both buildings
have their TCOs, and school started as of today. The remaining punch list items at Barnum will be
completed over the next few weeks. At this point, the fields themselves are complete and ready to be
turned over to the Town. He discussed that they are close to a total of $20 million under budget. The
ribbon cutting for Norton will be held on September 17th and Barnum on September 18th. Sean
Kimball brought up irrigation at the fields. Peter Talbot asked for the future plan for the Committee.
Rich Gusenburg explained that work will continue for two more months as there are still bills and
change orders. The Committee should be complete with their work by November or December. Peter
Talbot invited the School Building Committee members, Arcadis, and O&G to a future Town Council
to publicly express their appreciation for their efforts.
8.

NEW BUSINESS
A.

Approval of lease agreement with the Town of Wolcott for the sharing and use of fire
apparatus.

Lou Todisco motioned:
BE IT RESOLVED, That the Town Council approves Resolution #090826-2
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Council hereby authorizes the execution of a Lease Agreement by
and between the Town of Cheshire and the Town of Wolcott for the sharing and use of fire
apparatus for up to eighteen (18) months, and
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September 8, 2026 Town Council Meeting

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Manager is authorized and directed to execute on
behalf of the Town said Agreement in the form and upon the terms and conditions as presented at
this meeting.
The motion was seconded by Fiona Pearson. Sean Kimball explained that the agreement with the Town
of Wolcott is for up to 18 months, $1,500 per month. Should Cheshire need the apparatus, the Town
can take it back with 7 days notice.
Don Walsh explained he did not realize we had a reserve vehicle and is concerned that the town is
willing to give up an engine. He discussed seeing the sale of one of the rescue trucks. The motion
passed 7-1, Don Walsh opposed.
B.

Authorization to apply for the Department of Children and Families Youth Service Bureau
Grant Program.

Deb Manke motioned:
BE IT RESOLVED, That the Town Council approves Resolution #090826-3
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Council hereby authorizes application for the 2026 CT
Department of Children’s Youth Service Bureau Grant Program in an amount to be determined by
the State, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Council authorizes Town Manager Sean M. Kimball
to execute any and all agreements and documents necessary for said grant.
The motion was seconded by Fiona Pearson. All in favor, the motion passed unanimously by those
present, 8-0.
C.

Authorization to apply for the CT Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
2027-2028 Youth Cannabis Prevention – Cannabis Coalition Grant in the amount of
$50,000.

Deb Manke motioned:
BE IT RESOLVED, That the Town Council approves Resolution #090826-4
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Council hereby authorizes application for the CT Department of
Mental Health and Addiction Services 2027-2028 Youth Cannabis Prevention – Cannabis Coalition
Grant in the amount of $50,000 for the implementation of community-driven prevention strategies
focused on cannabis education and prevention for youth and emerging adults under the age of 21,
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Council authorizes Town Manager Sean M. Kimball
to execute any and all agreements and documents necessary for said grant.

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September 8, 2026 Town Council Meeting

The motion was seconded by Jim Jinks. All in favor, the motion passed unanimously by those present,
8-0.
D.

Acceptance and appropriation of $200,000 in Legislatively Delegated Funds from the State
of Connecticut included in the State's FY 2027 budget: $150,000 for open space preservation
and $50,000 for the Cheshire Senior Center.

Fiona Pearson motioned:
BE IT RESOLVED, That the Town Council approves Resolution #090826-5
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Council hereby accepts and appropriates legislatively allocated
state funds from the State of Connecticut’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget in the amount of $150,000 for
Open Space Preservation and $50,000 for the Cheshire Senior Center, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Manager Sean M. Kimball is authorized and directed
to execute and deliver any and all documents necessary on behalf of the Town of Cheshire with the
State of Connecticut.
The motion was seconded by Deb Manke. All in favor, the motion passed unanimously by those
present, 8-0.
E.

Approval of Conservation Easement Agreement with Kelly's Farm LLC for the property
located at 466 Academy Road, executive session.

Greg Wolff motioned:
BE IT RESOLVED, That the Town Council approves Resolution #090826-6
WHEREAS, the Town of Cheshire (“Town”) prioritizes the conservation of agricultural viability of
real property in Cheshire;
WHEREAS, over 60 years ago, the Connecticut General Assembly declared “that it is in the public
interest to encourage the preservation of farmland, forest land and open space land in order to
maintain a readily available source of food and farm products close to the metropolitan areas of the
state, to conserve the state’s natural resources and to provide for the welfare and happiness of the
inhabitants of the state...” (P.A. 490, Section 1; C.G.S. Section 12-107a);
WHEREAS, in 1971, the Connecticut General Assembly passed Public Act 173 (C.G.S. Sections 4742a through 47-42c), which authorizes the creation and enforcement of conservation restrictions
“whose purpose is to retain land or water areas predominantly in their natural, scenic or open
condition or in agricultural farming, forest or open space use;”
WHEREAS, the Town endorses and supports the preservation of land, consistent with the Town
Plan of Conservation and Development and the conservation and preservation goals of the Town
relating particularly to farmland;
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September 8, 2026 Town Council Meeting

WHEREAS, Kelly’s Farm LLC (“Owner”) is the current owner of approximately forty-two (42)
acres of real property formerly known as 0 and 466 Academy Road, Cheshire, Connecticut
(collectively, the “Property”);
WHEREAS, the Town and the Owner share the common purpose of conserving the agricultural
viability of the Property in perpetuity by Owner’s placing restrictions upon the use and development
of the Property that will limit the same to those uses, improvements and structures directly and
indirectly related to an Agricultural Enterprise (as defined in the Conservation Easement); and
WHEREAS, the Town and the Cheshire Land Trust (“CLT”) have agreed that in consideration for
the Owner entering into a Conservation Easement, the Town and the CLT shall compensate the
Owner to acquire the Conservation Easement and rights to enforce the same, with the Town’s share
of the purchase price being the sum of One Million Six Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars
($1,650,000) to be paid by the Town from the funds previously appropriated by the Town for this
purpose.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that
1. Pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes §§7-131b and 47-42c, the Town Council hereby
approves the purchase of a perpetual Conservation Easement over the Property for a purchase
price from the Town not to exceed $1,650,000;
2. The Town Manager is authorized, empowered, and directed in the name of the Town to negotiate,
execute, and deliver a Conservation Easement and any and all other documents or instruments
necessary to finalize the transaction;
3. The Town Manager is authorized to expend up to $1,650,000 from the Land Acquisition Account
to satisfy the purchase price and is also authorized to expend such sums necessary to satisfy
associated transaction costs, including title insurance and legal fees;
4. This authorization is expressly conditioned upon (a) a satisfactory report from the Planning &
Zoning Commission pursuant to C.G.S. Sec. 8-24, (b) finalization of the negotiation of an
acceptable Conservation Easement, including all terms and conditions thereof, and (c) approval as
to form and content by the Town Attorney. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Conservation
Easement Agreement shall not become effective until completion of the Planning and Zoning
Commission’s review pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes § 8-24, and
5. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that, upon satisfaction of all conditions, Town Manager Sean M.
Kimball is hereby authorized to execute the Conservation Easement Agreement on behalf of the
Town of Cheshire.
The motion was seconded by Fiona Pearson. All in favor, the motion passed unanimously of those
present, 8-0.
F.

8-24 Referral to the Planning and Zoning Commission re: Kelly's Farm, 466 Academy Road.

Lou Todisco motioned:
BE IT RESOLVED, That the Town Council approves Resolution #090826-7
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September 8, 2026 Town Council Meeting

BE IT RESOLVED, that, pursuant to Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the Town
Council hereby refers the proposed Conservation Easement at Kelly’s Farms, located at 466
Academy Road, to the Planning and Zoning Commission for their review and to issue a report.
The motion was seconded by Deb Manke. All in favor, the motion passed unanimously by those
present, 8-0.
G.

Review and approval of a tax incentive application from Kelly's Farm LLC for the property
located at 466 Academy Road, executive session.

Jim Jinks motioned:
BE IT RESOLVED, That the Town Council approves Resolution #090826-8
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Council approves the Tax Assessment Incentive for Kelly’s Farms
LLC for the property located at 466 Academy Road under the terms as presented and authorizes the
Town Manager to execute an Agreement by and between the Town of Cheshire and Kelly’s Farms
LLC for said incentive.
The motion was seconded by Don Walsh. Andrew Martelli explained that the EDC received a tax
incentive request back in July. This would be a 20-year tax incentive. He clarified that this would not
be applicable to personal property or motor vehicle. The Town Attorney confirmed that if the property
is sold, the tax incentive agreement is null and void. David Borowy thanked the EDC for their quick
review and explained the uniqueness of this situation where the property owner is partnering with the
town, Cheshire Land Trust, and the State. All in favor, the motion passed unanimously by those
present, 8-0.
H.

Review and approval of a tax incentive application from Poly-Tech America LLC / Power
Rangers Properties LLC for the property located at 28 Diana Court, executive session.

Jim Jinks motioned:
BE IT RESOLVED, That the Town Council approves Resolution #090826-9
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Council approves the Tax Assessment Incentive for Poly-Tech
America LLC / Power Ranger Properties LLC for the property located at 28 Diana Court under the
terms as presented and authorizes the Town Manager to execute an Agreement by and between the
Town of Cheshire and Poly-Tech America LLC / Power Ranger Properties LLC for said incentive.
The motion was seconded by Don Walsh. Andrew Martelli provided background on the company. All
in favor, the motion passed unanimously by those present, 8-0.
9.

TOWN MANAGER REPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS
A.

Monthly Status Report.
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September 8, 2026 Town Council Meeting

Sean Kimball highlighted the Cheshire Town Square.
B.

Department Status Reports: Police, Fire, Economic Development.

10. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL
A.

Chairman’s Report.

Greg Wolff mentioned that there is a Planning Committee meeting tomorrow so will have information
next Town Council meeting.
Fiona Pearson updated that the capital budget discussion continues on September 22nd.
Deb Manke explained that the Town audit process has begun.
B.

Miscellaneous.

11. APPOINTMENTS
A.

Liaison Reports.

Greg Wolff highlighted the life drawing class at Artsplace that will be taught by Tony Falcone.
Fiona Pearson updated that the Energy Commission met and had a representative from C-Pace present.
She discussed the Recreation People of the Year award winners.
B.

Appointments.

Greg Wolff motioned to appoint:
• Mary DiLeo, D, to Library Advisory Board term of 9/8/2026-1/31/2030
• Coleen Bankowski, D, GWTD, term of 9/8/2026-6/30/2030
• John Wells, D, Youth and Human Services Committee, term of 9/8/2026-1/31/2028
• David Blair, U, to Veterans Advisory Committee, term of 9/8/2026-1/31/2027
Don Walsh seconded the motion. All in favor, the motion passed unanimously by those present, 8-0.
12. TOWN ATTORNEY REPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS
13. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
A.

Letters to Council.

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September 8, 2026 Town Council Meeting

Peter Talbot read a letter from the Cheshire Chamber of Commerce thanking the town for their
sponsorship of the Fall Festival.
Fiona Pearson read a communication from Winston Hill, 267 Oak Avenue, expressing opposition to the
Flock cameras.
i.

Update from the Semiquincentennial Steering Committee.

Peter Talbot thanked the Semiquincentennial Steering Committee and Assistant Town Manager
Andrew Martelli as their staff liaison.
B.

Miscellaneous.

14. ITEMS FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION
Upon 2/3 vote, convene in executive session, pursuant to C.G.S. §1-200(6) to discuss matters
concerning:
A.

Contract negotiations.

B.

Tax incentive agreements.

No items for executive session.
15. ADJOURNMENT
David Borowy motioned to adjourn the meeting, and Fiona Pearson seconded the motion. All in favor,
the motion passed unanimously, 8-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Attest: ___________________________________
Noelle Shepard, Management Specialist

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