On the agenda: Milford meeting — ALPR (Oct 5)

City of Milford, Connecticut
Founded 1639

BOARD OF ALDERMEN
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE AND AGENDA
Pursuant to C.G.S. §7-163e the Board of Aldermen will hold a public hearing on
Monday, October 5, 2026 at 7:00 P.M. in the Auditorium, City Hall, 110 River Street,
Milford, Connecticut.
AGENDA

1.

CALL TO ORDER

2.

ROLL CALL

3.

PUBLIC HEARINGS
a)

4.

Discontinuance of a Portion of Whitney Ave Paper Street –
Consideration of discontinuance of a portion of Whitney Avenue a
paper street between 36 and 44 Deerwood Avenue pursuant to
CGS 13a-49.

ADJOURNMENT

BOARD OF ALDERMEN

Dated: September 30, 2026

*** Any individual with a disability who needs special assistance to participate in the
meeting should contact the Director of Community Development, 783-3230, five days
prior to the meeting if possible.
2102-7626-6502, v. 2

/

BOARD OF ALDERMEN
REGULAR MEETING
September 14, 2026
The Board of Aldermen of the City of Milford held their regular meeting on Monday,
September 14, 2026, in the Aldermanic Chambers at City Hall. Chairman Vetro called
the meeting to order at 7:31 p.m.
Chairman Vetro announced that Item 8(a) approval of discontinuance ofWhitney
Avenue between 36 and 44 Deerwood Avenue has been postponed to the October 5,
2026 meeting.
Chairman Vetro asked those present to join in saluting our flag and reciting the Pledge
of Allegiance.
1. Roll Call
Board Members

Also Present

K.AIi

R. Smith, Mayor

S. Bannon
B. Bevan
M. Brennan

P. Smith, City Clerk

M. Casey

P. Erodici, Finance Director

J. Berchem, City Attorney
H. Mulrenan, Chief of Staff

J. Federico

P. Healy
C. Hite
A. Fowler
A. Lombard!

R. Pacelli
M. Smith
W. Smith, III
W. Smith, Jr.
P. Vetro

Excused:

2.

Public Statements

Chairman Vetro stated public statements are limited to the legislative function of the
Board of Aldermen. He stated only residents; taxpayers or electors may address the
Board. The time limit granted to each speaker shall be three (3) minutes. He asked each
speaker to adhere to the three-minute limit.

1

i-

L. Tarver, 83 Quirk Road, spoke regarding golf carts on municipal streets.
D. Ralph, 31 Chestnut Lane, spoke regarding conduct at public meetings.
C. Lane, 14 Pearl Hill Street, spoke regarding the Ul Milvon project.
J. Lane, 14 Pearl Hill Street, spoke regarding the Ul Milvon project.
Spoke aaainstATESD and ALPR cameras:
J. Fowler, 50 Pine Knob Terrace
T. Haller, Peak Avenue

S. Wood, 198 Gulf Street
T. Komski,180 MaryEllen Drive
J. Dennison, Whitney Avenue
T. Ambraseckio, 10 Flax Mill Lane
D. Ortoleva, 59 Centennial Drive
A. Patretta,92 Plains Road
R. Coombs, 10 Elsenhower Drive

K. Gilgore, 68 Cornfield Road
W. Hagedorn, Judith Drive
S. Daro, Rock Road
T. DiBlasi, Unknown

J. Greybon, GulfStreetr
A. Rice, 35 Baker Place
J. Caldwell, 8 Mountain View Drive

M. Paulis, 22 Parkway Terrace
W. Volikas, 35 Dewey Avenue
R. Volikas, 35 Dewey Avenue
S. Bromley, 27 Norway Street
K. Francis, 1 Gillette Street
M. Solti, Prospect Street
S. Bedworth, 72 Lindy Street
3.

Consideration of the Minutes

Aid. Pacelli and Aid. Fowler made and seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the
Public Hearing of the Board Aldermen held on August 3, 2026. Motion carried
unanimously.
Aid. Pacelli and Aid. Fowler made and seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the
Regular Meeting of the Board Aldermen held on August 3, 2026.

Peter Erodici noted he was present at the August 3, 2026 meeting.
Motion carried unanimously, as corrected.

2

4. Consideration of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Board of Aldermen:
Board of Aldermen Ordinance Committee Special Meeting held on August 27, 2026.
Aid, Pacejiiand Aid. Fowler made and seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the

Board of Aldermen Ordinance Committee Special Meeting held on August 27, 2026.
Motion carried unanimously.
5. Chairman's Report and Communications
None.

6. Mayor's Report and Recommendations

Mayor Smith highlighted upcoming events throughout the City. He provided a brief update
on discussions with the owners of the Connecticut Post Mall. Mayor Smith also reported
meeting with residents of Pearl Hill and working with Ul to obtain concessions to lessen
the impact on residents. Mayor Smith reported the appointment of Suzanne Thomas as
Acting Library Director. He also reviewed his attendance at the opening day of Milford
Public Schools. In addition, he noted that he held an all-hands meeting with Milford
employees to provide updates on the City's work and to express his appreciation for the
work being done by City employees.
Mayor Smith requested the Board's approval of items 8(b) through 8(d).
7. Unfinished Business
Aid. Pacelli and Aid. Fowler made and seconded a motion to approve a Resolution to
Impose a Temporary Moratorium on the Use of Flock Group, Inc. and Other Cameras
and to Direct a Review of the Current Proaram.
Aid. Pacelli stated that this is an emotional and difficult matter. He indicated that he would

be voting against the item, noting that the issue was thoroughly debated and appropriately
addressed at the recent special meeting. He stated that he had heard from residents both
at the meeting and outside of the meeting. Aid. Pacelli stated that he believes the
resolution strikes a balance between public safety and the concerns of citizens regarding
the removal of ALPRs, other than those located at the entrances to the City. He also
discussed the establishment of the committee to be considered later on the agenda. Aid.
Pacelli expressed his expectation that the committee would undertake substantial work
and stated that he looks forward to the committee taking the necessary time to study the
matter and make recommendations. He also expressed his anticipation of the
presentations to be made by the committee.
Aid. W, Smith, III, and Aid. Fowler made and seconded^an amendment striking the
resolution in its entirety and replacina it with the followinci:

A moratorium on the use of automated traffic enforcement safety devices
(ATESD), a pause on the installation of additional ATESD, and review of

3

^

the city's ATESD program and a moratorium on the use, deployment,
retention, oversight and codification of the city's automated license plate
reader (ALPR) program
Whereas, C.G.S. § 14-307c authorizes a municipality to use automated
traffic enforcement safety devices ("ATESDs") at locations within school
zones, pedestrian safety zones and other locations within the municipality,
provided that the municipality adopts an ordinance in accordance with the
statute and the locations of such devices are identified in a plan approved
by the Connecticut Department of Transportation pursuant to C.G.S. § 14307 e; and

Whereas, C.G.S. § 14-307c also requires that an ordinance adopted
pursuant to that section provide for the citation hearing procedures
established by C. G.S. § 7-152c and specifies the procedures governing the
issuance and mailing ofATESD citations; and
Whereas, residents of the City have expressed concerns and raised
questions regarding the City's use and administration ofATESDs, including
the appropriate locations and hours for speed-camera enforcement, the
amount of fines imposed, the escalation of fines for subsequent violations,
the procedures available to persons wishing to contest citations, and the
receipt of citations by persons who lease motor vehicles; and

Whereas, a moratorium on the operation of existing ATESDs and the
installation of additional ATESDs will provide an appropriate period during
which the Board, City officials and members of the community may review
the City's ATESD program, the Plan, the City's ATESD ordinance and the
concerns raised regarding the use and administration ofATESDs; and
Whereas, the Mil ford Police Department ("MPD") currently operates a
network of fixed automated license plate readers (ALPR) for law
enforcement purposes;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Aldermen of the
City of Milford as follows:
Section 1. Moratorium. Effective immediately upon adoption of this
Resolution, there is hereby imposed a complete moratorium on:
a. All use, installation, activation, or expansion of any
Flock Cameras, fixed ALPR network or the operation and use
of all currently installed ATESDs and on the installation of any
additional ATESDs within the City of Mil ford with the exception
of police body cameras or body camera technology like AXON
or otherwise.

4

b. This moratorium shall not apply to mobile ALPRs
installed on or operated from Milford Police Department
Vehicles.

c. This moratorium shall not require the deactivation of
cameras used at or for the protection of the Milford Public
Schools provided that such cameras are not being used as
fixed ALPRs to continuously collect or retain license plate data
from the general public.

d. No fixed or stationary ALPR shall be reactivated and
no additional fixed or stationary ALPR shall be installed or
activated without further action of the Board of Aldermen

Section 2. Comprehensive Review. The Ordinance Committee of the Board
of Aldermen along with the other members of the Board of Aldermen, is
hereby directed to prepare and submit to the Board of Aldermen a plan for
effectuating the complete termination of the Flock or other cameras as
referenced herein.

Section 3. Effective Date. This Resolution shall take effect immediately
upon its adoption.

Aid. Ali stated that he supports the amendment, noting that the public has spoken
numerous times and that the cameras should be removed to respect residents' privacy.
Aid. Fowler stated that he agreed with Aid. All and Aid. W. Smith, III. He discussed the
proposed committee and the Board's responsibility regarding the termination of the
program. He stated that he supports the amendment. Aid. Lombard! stated that she is in
favor of the amendment. Aid. Brennan requested clarification regarding the amendment.
Aid. W. Smith, III explained that the current resolution provides for a pause and review,
while the amendment would result in the full termination of the program. Discussion
ensued regarding the proposed amendment. Aid. Brennan stated that she is concerned
about contracts currently in place and believes that a pause would allow for a full review.
Aid. Casey stated that he supports the amendment and thanked everyone for their
comments. Aid. Bevan stated that he is opposed to the amendment and supports the
cameras and the Police Department. He stated that he is in favor of public safety. Aid.
W. Smith, Jr. stated that he is in favor of the amendment. Aid. Healy stated that he would
be voting against the amendment. hie discussed the importance of the technology review
committee and reviewed his experience and credentials in public safety. Aid. Federico
stated that she had listened to the discussion and spent considerable time reviewing
posts on social media in an effort to understand the concerns surrounding the issue. She
stated that she must vote according to her conscience and reviewed the restrictions
established by the State and the protocols implemented by the Police Department. She
noted that there are residents who are not present at the meeting who have spoken in

5

r

favor of the cameras and expressed concern that those who support the cameras may
be shouted down during public discussions.
Aid. Mealy requested that the question be moved.
Amendment failed, 9 aciainst (Bannon, Bevan, Brennan, Federico, Healv, Hite, Pacelli,

M. Smith, Vetro), 6 in favor (All, Casev, Fowler, Lombardi, W. Smith, Jr., W. Smith, III).
Aid. W. Smith, Jr., and Aid. Fowler made and seconded an amendment strikina the
resolution in its entirety and replacing it with the following:

DRONE SURVIELLANCE PROGRAM RESOLUTION
Whereas, pursuant to Milford's Law Enforcement/Public Safety Strategic
Plan Policing in the 21 "Century, the Mil ford Police Department is presently
operating a Drone Surveillance Program which includes surveillance
cameras mounted under aerial drones; and
Whereas, the Board of Aldermen has heard the concerns of the residents

of the City of Milford with respect to the sun/eillance cameras and finds the
existence of the Drone Sun/eillance Program incompatible with Milford's
goa/s and aims as the Small City With A Big Heart.
Now Therefore, the Board of Alderman hereby resolves that the Milford
Police Department should cease and terminate the Drone Sun/eillance
Program, effective immediately.
Aid. W. Smith, Jr. discussed the strategic plan and the drone program. He stated that he
opposed the program two years ago and urged the Board to vote against it at this time.
He noted that the other resolutions under consideration do not address the drone program
and stated that the matter should be addressed now. He discussed the expectation that
residents should not be subject to government surveillance and stated that he believes
the program is not appropriate for Milford. Aid. W. Smith, III stated that the resolution does
not affect any of the previously adopted resolutions regarding ATESD, ALPRs, or the
technology review committee. Aid. Hite stated that this is the first time the drone program
has been brought before the Board in this context and that he could not vote on the matter
without having an opportunity to review and fully understand the program. Aid. Pacelli
discussed the importance of conducting due diligence and addressing the issues
thoroughly. He stated that he would be voting against the amendment. Aid. W. Smith, Jr.
reviewed the Board's vote regarding the drone program two years ago. Aid. Lombard!
stated that she had not heard from residents regarding the drone program until the
proposed amendment was presented and that she did not have sufficient information to
vote on the matter. She stated that she intends to fully review and understand the
program. Aid. Lombard! acknowledged the importance of public safety while also
expressing her opposition to surveillance.

6

Amendment failed 10 against (Bannon, Bevan, Brennan, Federico, Healy, Hite, Lombardi,

Pacelli, M. Smith, Vetro), 5 in favor (All, Casey, Fowler, W. Smith, Jr., W. Smith, III).
Aid. W. Smith, III, requested a 5-minute recess
Chairman Vetro recessed at 9:41 p.m.
Chairman Vetro reconvened at 9:52 p.m.
Main Motion failed, 9 against (Bannon, Bevan, Brennan, Federico, Healv, Hite, Pacelli,

M. Smith. Vetro), 6 in favor (All, Casev, Fowler, Lombardi, W. Smith, Jr., W. Smith, III).
8. New Business (from Mayor's Report Items 8a throuah 8c).

(8b) Aid. Pacelli and Aid. Healy made and seconded a motion to approve the Mayor's
Appointments to the Public Safety Technology Review Committee: Community

Members: Scott Marlow (R), James Wovciesies (D), John Maaer (R), Sara Wood (D)
Aldermen: Majority Leader or Desianee, Minoritv Leader or Desianee and Police Team:
Chief Keith Mello or his Desianee (Non-Votino Member)

Aid. W. Smith, III stated that he supports full termination of the program and, as such,
does not believe a technology review committee is necessary. He discussed the proposed
members of the committee and their positions regarding the cameras. Aid. W. Smith, III
suggested reconsideration of the committee's composition and stated that he could not
support the members as presented. Aid. Pacelli stated that he looks forward to the
committee providing information and developing recommendations. He expressed his
belief that the committee will conduct the necessary work and make presentations to the
Ordinance Committee and the Board of Aldermen. He noted that serving on the
committee would be a significant responsibility and would not be an easy task. Aid.
Lombard! stated that the evening's discussion demonstrated the importance of the
committee and the work it will undertake.
Aid. Lombard! and Aid. Fowler made and seconded an amendment the Public Technoloov
Review Committee's charge to include a review of the Milford Police Department's use of
drone technology, includinci its current capabilities, policies, data collection and retention

practices, third-partv vendors, integration with other surveillance technologies, and
appropriate privacy and civil liberties safeguards.

Aid. W. Smith, III stated the amendment to the charge would need to be brought up under
new business and added to the agenda with a 2/3's vote.
Aid. Lombard! and Aid. Fowler withdrew the amendment and second.

Aid. Fowler asked when the committee's work is expected to be completed. Mayor Smith
stated that, pursuant to the resolution, the committee is expected to complete its work
within 60 to 90 days. Aid. Fowler discussed the delegation of the Board's responsibilities
to the committee and outlined the reasons he would be voting against the resolution. Aid.
All stated that he would be voting against the resolution, noting his belief that residents

7

want the cameras terminated. Aid. W. Smith, Jr. reviewed the reasons for his opposition
to the resolution and stated that he would be voting against it.
Motion carried 10 in favor (Bannon, Bevan, Brennan, Federico, Healv, Hite, Lombardi,

Pacelli, M. Smith, Vetro), 5 against fAli. Casev, Fowler. W. Smith, Jr., W. Smith, III).
(8c) Aid Pacelli and Aid. Fowler made and seconded a motion to approve a Resolution
Re: Founders Walk Funds Allocated from State of Connecticut Department of Economic
& Community Development - FY27.

Aid. W. Smith, III, asked whether the matter was similar to a request previously presented
to the Board several months earlier. Robert Harrigan, Assistant Public Works Director,
stated that the funding is a reimbursement grant. Aid. W. Smith, III, expressed concerns
regarding advancing grant funds from the General Fund and stated that he would not
support the cash advance. Aid. Pacelli asked City Attorney Berchem to confirm whether
the cash advance was the only way to access the grant funds and whether not providing
the advance would hinder completion of the project. Attorney Berchem stated that the
grant is reimbursable and that the cash advance is necessary to proceed. He explained
that the funding is for the second phase of the project involving the walkway along the
harbor. Aid. Pacelli asked whether the funds from the prior grant had been received. Peter
Erodici, Finance Director, stated that the grants had been consolidated and that the cash
advance was necessary, with the City to be reimbursed once the grant funds are received.
Aid. W. Smith, Jr., asked for confirmation as to whether the State funds had been

received. Mr. Erodici stated that the first cash advance had not yet been received and
that the second portion, totaling $600,000, had also not been received. Aid. W. Smith,
Ill, stated that he would be voting against the item.
Motion carried 10 in favor (Bannon, Bevan, Brennan, Federico, Healy, Hite, Lombardi,

Pacelli, M. Smith, Vetro), 5 against (Ali, Casey, Fowler, W. Smith, Jr., W. Smith, III).
(8d) Aid Pacelli and Aid. made and seconded a motion to approve a Resolution Re:
Cash Advance for Founders Walk Funds Allocated from State of Connecticut
Department of Economic & Community Development - FY27. Motion carried 10 in favor
(Bannon, Bevan, Brennan, Federico, hlealv, Hite, Lombardi, Pacelli, M. Smith, Vetro),

5 against (Ali, Casev, Fowler, W. Smith. Jr., W. Smith, III).
9. New Business not on the Agenda that may be introduced by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of
those present and voting.
Aid. Lombard! and Aid. All made a seconded a motion to add to the aoenda an
amendment to Exhibit B of the Resolution Re: The Use, Deployment, Retention,
Oversight and Codification of the City's Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR)
Program amendinci the charae of the Public Technology Review Committee to include a
review of the Milford Police Department's use of drone technoloqv, including its current
capabIUties, policies, data collection and retention practices, third-party vendors,

8

integration with other surveillance technologies, and appropriate privacy and civil liberties
safeguards. Motion carried unanimously.

Aid. Lombard! and Aid. Ali made and seconded motion to amend Exhibit B of the
Resolution Re: The Use, Deployment, Retention, Oversight and Codification of the City's
Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) Proaram amendina the charge of the Public
Technology Review Committee to include a review of the Milford Police Department's use
of drone technology, including its current capabilities, policies, data collection and
retention practices, third-party vendors, integration with other surveillance technoloaies,
and appropriate privacy and civil liberties safeguards

Aid. W. Smith, III, stated that he supports the amendment and suggested revising the
language to allow the committee to recommend termination of the program. Aid.
Lombard! stated that she would be open to adding the proposed language.
Aid. W. Smith, III and Aid. Fowler made and seconded an amendment to include the
Public Technology Review Committee recommendations may include complete
termination of the Drone program. Amendment carried unanimously.
Aid. W. Smith, III, and Aid. All made and seconded an amendment that the committee
completes its work within 30 days.

Aid. Healy discussed the proposed timeline and stated that he believes it provides
sufficient time for the committee to complete its work. Aid. Lombard! stated that she
supports a 90-day review period, noting that she does not believe 30 days would provide
sufficient time for the committee to conduct a thorough review and complete its work.
Amendment failed 10 against (Bannon, Bevan, Brennan, Federico, Healv, Hite, Lombardi,

Pacelli, M. Smith, Vetro), 5 in favor (Ali, Casev, Fowler, W. Smith, Jr., W. Smith, III).
Main motion, as amended, carried unanimously.

10. Budget Memo Transfers.
Aid. Pacelli and Aid. Fowler made and seconded a motion to approve Budoet Memo

Transfers #9 and #10, Funds 1005 & 2812, FY26. Motion carried unanimously.
11. Refunds
Aid. Pacelli and Aid. Fowler made and seconded a motion to approve Refunds in the
amount of $53,650.12. Motion carried unanimously.
12. Report of Standing Committees

a. Ordinance Committee - no report
b. Public Safety and Welfare Committee - no report

9

c. Public Works Committee - no report
d. Claims Committee - no report.
e. Rules Committee - no report.
f. Personnel Committee - no report.
13. Report of Special Committees.

a. Liaison Sub-Committee - Board of Education - no report.
b. Liaison Sub-Committee - Flood & Erosion - no report.
c. Liaison Sub-Committee - Park, Beach & Recreation Comm. - no report.
d. Liaison Sub-Committee - Planning & Zoning Board - no report.
e. Liaison Sub-Committee - Sewer Commission - no report
f. Liaison Sub-Committee - Harbor Management Commission - no report.
g. Liaison - Council on Aging - no report.
h. Liaison Sub-Committee - Library Board - no report.
i. Liaison Sub-Committee - Veterans Ceremony & Parade Commission - no report
j. Liaison Sub-Committee - Fine Arts - no report
k. Liaison Sub-Committee - Milford Redevelopment & Housing Partnership - no
report

1. Liaison - Golf Course Commission - no report.
m. Liaison - Inland Wetlands Agency - no report
n. Liaison - Board of Health - no report.
o. Liaison - hluman Sen/ices Commission - no report.
p. Liaison Sub-Committee - Pension & Retirement Board - no report.
q. Liaison Sub-Committee - Milford Government Access Television (MGAT) - no
report.

r. Liaison - Economic Development Commission - no report.
s. Liaison Sub-Committee - Milford Arts Council - no report.
t. Liaison Sub-Committee - Milford Progress, Inc. - no report.
u. Liaison Sub-Committee - Fire Commission - no report.
v. Liaison Sub-Committee - Police Commission - no report.
w. Permanent School Facilities Building Committee - no report.
14. Executive Session. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of those present and voting is required for
any item to be considered in executive session. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of those present
and voting is required to go into executive session.
(14a) Consideration of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of
Milford and Local 4260 Milford Professional Telecommunicators Association, IAFF, July

1, 2025 throudh June 30,2029.
(14b) Discussion Re: Pending Litigation Milford Power Company, LLC v. City of
Milford.
Chairman Vetro requested a motion to enter into executive session. He stated that those
attending executive session for Item 14(a) would be the full Board, Mayor Richard Smith,

10

Chief of Staff hlolly Mulrenan, City Attorney Jonathan Berchem, Assistant City Attorney
Debra Kelly and Human Resources Director, Tania Barnes; and for Item 14(b) would be
the full Board, Mayor Richard Smith, Chiefof Staff Holly Mulrenan, City Attorney Jonathan
Berchem and Assessor Marcus Irrek.

Aid. Pacelli and Aid. Fowler made and seconded a motion to enter into executive session.
Motion carried unanimously.

Chairman Vetro recessed to executive session at 10:35 p.m.
Chairman Vetro reconvened at 11:07 p.m.
(14a) Aid. Pacelli and Aid. Lombard! made and seconded a motion to approve the
Collective Baraainina Agreement between the Citv of Milford and Local 4260 Milford
Professional Telecommunicators Association, IAFF, July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2029
as discussed in executive session. Motion carried unanimously.
Being no further business to discuss, Aid. Brennan and Aid. Healy made and seconded
a motion to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.

The Board adjourned at 1 1:08 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,

\

(jj-^lj^

Toni Jo WeeKs^
Recording Secretary

11