State Senator Jason Perillo (R-Shelton)
Represents Connecticut’s 21st District
(Stratford, Seymour, Shelton, and Monroe)
PRESIDING: Council Chairman Glad
COUNCIL MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE: Mr. O’Connor, Mr. Green, Mr. O’Neal, Ms. Gibson, Mr. Afriyie, Ms. Whitham, Mr. Llewelyn, Mr. Aurelia
OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE: Mayor Hoydick, CAO Tymniak, Finance Director Savo,
Town Attorney Hodgson, Assistant Town Attorneys Florek, Buturla, Jackson, and Cotter, Attorney Alex Florek
Mayor Hoydick presented certificates of Recognition to each player and the coaches of the Bunnell High School Boys Basketball CIAC Div. III Champions and Unified Team.
Town Historian David Wright presented a commemoration of the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere’s ride (April 18-19, 1775) and the connection it had to Stratford.
The Mayor’s Report included: Town News/Observances: Two Lights for Tomorrow, World Autism Month. Public Works: Holiday Sanitation Schedule, Yard Waste Collection, DEEP grant for composting program, the rapidly changing Grants landscape, National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. Health Department:
Stratford-Trumbull-Monroe Medical Reserve Corps, Gardening lessons. Community & Senior Services: Easter Dinner at Baldwin Center, Renters’ Rebate applications, SECC Strategic Plan, SECC Summer Soiree, Leaders In Training Program, 2025 Erin Jocker’s Friends of Sterling House Award. Economic Development: Updates –SAEP Tidal Flats, Contract Plating, Greenway Phase III, Commercial Realtors Breakfast. Commercial Property Sales: 125 Bruce Avenue to 16-10 Realty Corp. Celebrate Stratford: Main Street Festival.
Mayoral Appointments: Roosevelt Forest Commission – Frank Bevacqua, Bob David, Dan Ruskin, Peggy Nightingale;
Economic and Community Development Commission – Joseph McKnight – Chair, Frank Bevacqua – Vice Chair, Jennifer Sheldon, Brian Oliver, Philip Connor, Lenny Gonzalez, James Benson – alternate member.
QUESTIONS FOR THE MAYOR
Ms. Shake re: process for reserving space for events; Ms. Gibson re: beach space rental application process.
A RESOLUTION REGARDING AN ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE FOR NEW ENGLAND THRIVING COMMUNITY SUB-GRANT APPLICATION SUPPORTING SOUTH END ARBORETUM CONSTRUCTION
Executive Summary: This grant funding will support the construction phase of the South End Arboretum Project which is currently in its design phase.This project looks to transforming the Access Road property, currently a mowed lawn, into a vibrant and publicly accessible Arboretum – therefore, providing a nature based buffer between industrial and residential while creating a new space for community gathering and environmental education.
Sponsored by: Stratford Town Council
Environmental Justice for New England is authorized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to extend financial assistance to municipalities in the form of grants; and, this funding has been made possible from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grant making Program; and, the Town of Stratford expends funds to support enhancements of and additions to publicly accessible parks; and, it is desirable and in the public interest that the Town of Stratford enter into a sub-grant agreement with Environmental Justice for New England in the amount of $323,452.64 requiring $0 in Town Match. That authorizes, directs and empowers the Mayor, Laura R. Hoydick, or her designee to execute and deliver such grant application (including any amendments thereto) and/or any and all related documents necessary to apply for and obtain funding from Environmental Justice for New England, and to support the Arboretum construction once the award is secured in the name of and on behalf of the Town of Stratford.
A motion was made to approve item 6.2.1, seconded, and was passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION REGARDING A FAIRFIELD COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION (FCCF) GRANT TO SUPPORT SOUTH END COMMUNITY CENTER’S (SECC) LEADERS IN TRAINING PROGRAM FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Executive Summary: FCCF grant funding will financially facilitate the South End Community Center’s ongoing Leaders in Training (LIT) program. SECC has an established and successful program in place and this funding will further support LITs as they gain skills and experience that will benefit them in the workforce. Sponsored by: Stratford Town Council the Fairfield County Community Foundation is authorized to extend financial assistance to municipalities in the form of grants; and, this funding has been made possible from FCCF’s 2025 Spring Cycle: Youth Education & Workforce Development Grant Program; and, the Town of Stratford through the South End Community Center expends funds to operate programs and services supporting youth and adults in the Town of Stratford; and, it is desirable and in the public interest that the Town of Stratford enter into an agreement with Fairfield County Community Foundation in the amount of $21,500 requiring $0 in Town Match.
A motion was made to approve, seconded, and was passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION REGARDING A SOUTHWESTERN CONNECTICUT AGENCY ON AGING GRANT APPLICATION SUPPORTING OUTREACH TO AND ENGAGEMENT WITH OLDER ADULTS
Executive Summary: This funding will support Senior Services’ Senior Connection program which provides therapeutic recreation activities and outreach to isolated and/or disengaged older adults. Activities support health and wellness, reduce social isolation and encourage use of services and benefits. Most referrals are from organizations such as the Health Department, health care providers, Public Safety, and Housing Authority as well as from neighbors, families and friends. Sponsored by: Stratford Town Council
The Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging (SWCAA) is authorized to extend financial assistance to municipalities in the form of grants; and, this funding has been made possible from SWCAA’s Title III Grant Program; and, the Town of Stratford, through the Baldwin Center’s Senior Connection program, expends funds to operate programs supporting the health and welfare of senior citizens in Town; and, it is desirable and in the public interest that the Town of Stratford enter into an agreement with SWCAA in the amount of $50,000 requiring $10,714.24 in Town Match, which will be in the form of in-kind services.
It is cognizant of the Town’s grant application to Southwestern CT Agency on Aging for funds to support outreach and engagement through the Baldwin Center’s Senior Connection program, and, it authorizes, directs and empowers the Mayor Hoydick, or her designee to execute and deliver such grant application (including any amendments thereto) and/or any and all related documents necessary to apply for and obtain funding from Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging, and to continue in funding the Senior Connection program once the award is secured in the name of and on behalf of the Town of Stratford.
A motion was made to approve item 6.2.3, seconded, and was passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION REGARDING A CONNECTICUT STATE LIBRARY GRANT TO SUPPORT TOWN CLERK’S HISTORIC DOCUMENT PRESERVATION
Executive Summary: This grant will support the purchase of five map storage cabinets, to preserve these permanent documents. This grant also provides the capacity for future growth. The matching funds are provided by the Town Clerk Dollar Fund, to be used for the preservation of historic documents. Sponsored by: Stratford Town Council the Connecticut State Library is authorized to extend financial assistance to municipalities in the form of grants; and, this funding has been made possible from Connecticut State Library’s Historic Documents Preservation Program and, the Town of Stratford expends funds for historic document preservation purposes; and, it is desirable and in the public interest that the Town of Stratford enter into an agreement with the Connecticut State Library in the amount of $7,000.00 with a Town match of $7,271.42 from the Town Clerk’s fund for the preservation of historic documents. It is cognizant of the Town’s grant application to the Connecticut State Library for funds to support historic document preservation, and, empowers the Mayor Hoydick, or her designee to execute and deliver such grant application (including any amendments thereto) and/or any and all related documents necessary to apply for and obtain funding from the Connecticut State Library, and to implement the preservation work once the award is secured in the name of and on behalf of the Town of Stratford.
A motion was made to approve item 6.2.4, seconded, and was passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION REGARDING A CT DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (CT DEEP) CLEAN VESSEL ACT 2025 GRANT AWARD SUPPORTING STRATFORD WATERFRONT HARBOR MANAGEMENT (WFHM) COMMISSION PUMP OUT VESSEL OPERATIONS
Executive Summary: Stratford’s Waterfront Harbor Management Commission receives funding on an annual basis from the CT DEEP Clean Vessel Act Program to support pump out vessel operations. This year, in addition to supporting general operating expenses, this funding will enable the WFHM to also purchase and upgrade motor equipment on the pump out vessel which is reflected in the increased grant award. Sponsored by: Stratford Town Council
WHEREAS, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is authorized to extend financial assistance to municipalities in the form of grants through its Clean Vessel Act Program 2025; and,
WHEREAS, this funding has been made possible from the Federal Clean Vessel Act Grant Program; and,
WHEREAS, the Town of Stratford’s Waterfront Harbor Management Commission expends funds to support pump out vessel operations; and,
WHEREAS, it is desirable and in the public interest that the Town of Stratford enter into an agreement with CT DEEP in the amount of $55,006.50 with $18,335.50 in Town Match, which will be in the form of in-kind services by the Stratford Waterfront Harbor Management Commission.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF STRATFORD:
- That it is cognizant of the Town’s grant application to CT DEEP Clean Vessel Act Program 2025 for funds to support pump out vessel operations, and,
- That it hereby authorizes, directs and empowers the Mayor, Laura R. Hoydick, or her designee to execute and deliver such grant application (including any amendments thereto) and/or any and all related documents necessary to apply for and obtain funding from CT DEEP, and to continue pump out vessel operations once the award is secured in the name of and on behalf of the Town of Stratford.
A motion was made to approve item 6.2.5, seconded, and was passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION REGARDING A SAVE THE SOUND 2025 UNIFIED WATER STUDY GRANT TO CONTINUE SAMPLING AND COLLECTING DATA FROM LONG ISLAND SOUND
Executive Summary: Through this grant, the Town of Stratford will continue its participation in the Unified Water Study: Long Island Sound Embayment Research (UWS) program. Staff will gather water quality data with the
assistance of the Town of Stratford’s Fire Department and their boat. This water quality data is collected by dozens of monitoring groups across Long Island Sound to assemble comparable data on the environmental health of our bays and harbors.
Sponsored by: Stratford Town Council
WHEREAS, the Save The Sound nonprofit organization is authorized to extend financial assistance to municipalities in the form of grants; and,
WHEREAS, this funding has been made possible for the Unified Water Study Program 2025; and,
WHEREAS, the Town of Stratford expends funds to conduct sample collection and data submission about waters that flow into Long Island Sound; and,
WHEREAS, it is desirable and in the public interest that the Town of Stratford enter into an agreement with Save The Sound in the amount of $4,544 requiring $0 in Town Match.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF STRATFORD:
- That it is cognizant of the Town’s grant award from Save The Sound for funds to collect water samples and submit data of water samples, and,
- That it hereby authorizes, directs and empowers the Mayor, Laura R. Hoydick, or her designee to execute and deliver such grant application (including any amendments thereto) and/or any and all related documents necessary to apply for and/or obtain funding from Save The Sound and to implement the program once the award is secured in the name of and on behalf of the Town of Stratford.
A motion was made to approve item 6.2.6, seconded, and was passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION REGARDING A CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (CT DEEP) OPEN SPACE AND WATERSHED LAND ACQUISITION GRANT SUPPORTING THE EXPANSION OF ROOSEVELT FOREST
Executive Summary: This funding will support an expansion of Stratford’s Roosevelt Forest by an aggregate total of 18.738 acres. In adding two parcels, this expansion will include the addition of one new loop trail with the rest of the expansion remaining open space. Existing trees and natural habitats will not be impacted by this project.
Sponsored by: Stratford Town Council
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is authorized to extend financial assistance to municipalities in the form of grants; and, this funding has been made possible from the Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition (OSWA) Grant Program; and, the Town of Stratford expends funds to preserve open space and enhance forested areas; and, it is desirable and in the public interest that the Town of Stratford enter into an agreement with CT DEEP in the amount of $111,000.
- It is cognizant of the Town’s grant application to Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for funds to support the extension of Roosevelt Forest at two parcels of land – Map Block lots 50.19/2/19/4 and 50.19/2/15/4 in Stratford, which in the aggregate total 18.738 acres, and, authorizes Mayor Hoydick to execute and deliver such grant application (including any amendments thereto) and/or any and all related documents necessary to apply for and obtain funding from Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and to begin expansion work once the award is secured in the name of and on behalf of the Town of Stratford.
A motion was made to approve item 6.2.7, seconded, and was passed unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
Award of Bid #2025-28 – Sterling Community Center Bathroom Renovation to WEST REACH CONSTRUCTION CO., INC. of Bolton, CT in the amount of $89,720.00. The award of Bid #2025-28 – Sterling Community Center Bathroom Renovation to West Reach Construction Co. in the amount of $89,720.00 approved and the Mayor is authorized to enter into a contract for such in form acceptable to the Town Attorney.
A motion was made to approve item 7.1, seconded, and was passed unanimously.
Lease Agreement – Short Beach Golf Course Restaurant – 1 Dorne Drive
A lease agreement with Drowsy Whaler, L.L.C. of Stratford, CT for the Short Beach Golf Course Restaurant at 1 Dorne Drive is approved and the Mayor is authorized to enter into negotiations for such in form acceptable to the Town Attorney.
A motion was made to approve item 7.2, seconded, and was passed unanimously.
Conveyance of easement at 540 Longbrook Avenue and sale of 2350 Stratford Avenue – Executive session
MR. LLEWELYN MOVED; SECONDED BY MR. AURELIA TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS ITEM AS DISCUSSION IN PUBLIC MIGHT ADVERSELY IMPACT THE PRICE.
ENTERING EXECUTIVE SESSION WILL BE ALL COUNCIL MEMBERS, MAYOR HOYDICK, CAO TYMNIAK, FINANCE DIRECTOR SAVO, TOWN ATTORNEY HODGSON, ASSISTANT TOWN ATTORNEYS FLOREK, BUTURLA, AND JACKSON. THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Executive session commenced at 8:08 p.m.
Confirmation of Mayoral Appointments
The Mayor’s reappointments of Frank Bevacqua, Bob David, Dan Ruskin, and Peggy Nightingale to the Roosevelt Forest Commission be and are confirmed.
A motion was made to approve item 7.5.1, seconded, and was passed unanimously.
The Mayor’s reappointments of Joseph McKnight – Chair, Frank Bevacqua – Vice Chair, Jennifer Sheldon, Brian Oliver, and Philip Connor and the appointments of Lenny Gonzalez, and James Benson (Alternate) to the Economic and Community Development Commission be confirmed.
A motion was made to approve item 7.5.2, seconded, and was passed unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m
