Stratford Town Council Regular Meeting
January 13, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers of Stratford Town Hall
PUBLIC FORUM WILL BEGIN AT 6:00 P.M.
Information on Scheduled Revaluation
Items on the Agenda include:
- A FEMA FY24 ASSITANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT APPLICATION SUPPORTING THE PURCHASE OF PPE/SCBA EQUIPMENT FOR THE STRATFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT
- CONNECTICUT COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND (CIF) GRANT APPLICATION SUPPORTING A FLOOD MITIGATION PROJECT AT FERRY BOULEVARD (CT-130) AND BROAD STREET
- A GRANT REQUEST TO THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL FY24 JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT (JAG) PROGRAM SUPPORTING THE PURCHASE OF CONDUCTED ENERGY DEVICES AND RELATED TRAINING
- A CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MATERIALS MANAGEMENT INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT APPLICATION TO SUPPORT THE CREATION OF A TOWN COMPOSTING PROGRAM IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PARK CITY COMPOST INITIATIVE, INC
Also noteworthy is a notice from the Town of Stratford that a revaluation of our properties to “update market value on all real property as of October 1st 2025” is scheduled. The revaluation project will be town-wide.
“Residents will be In accordance with Connecticut General Statute §12–62, the Town of Stratford will be commencing a town-wide revaluation project. The appraisal firm of Vision Government Solutions (VSGI) has been hired to conduct this project.
The purpose of the revaluation is to update market values for all real property as of October 1, 2025. Upon completion, the revaluation will have balanced the tax burden among all Stratford real property owners.
Any possible tax impact this revaluation may have will not be known until the mill rate is set in Spring of 2026.
Stratford Mayor Laura R. Hoydick noted that the revaluation will commence initially with data verification forms to be mailed to property owners through the appraisal firm, VSGI.
“To begin our Town’s revaluation, property owners will receive a form containing all current property details,” Hoydick said. “The appraisal firm is asking owners to review the data and make any necessary changes before returning it to them. The form will have all necessary contact information for VSGI and our Tax Assessors Office, should owners have any questions. As mandated by the State of Connecticut, this is the first of several steps in this contracted process that will allow us to conclude with values effective October 1, 2025. I’d like to thank our community in advance for their time and participation.”
In addition to the mailed forms, personnel from VSGI will be visiting properties that have recently sold. Properties will be visited during the day, and exterior measurements will be verified. Data Collectors will also ask to conduct a brief interior inspection.
If no one is home, a letter will be sent requesting that an appointment be made so an interior inspection may be carried out, and the property details can be verified.
These field inspections are set to begin in early 2025 and continue through September 2025. All field personnel will be wearing an identification badge, and their vehicles will be registered with the Stratford Police Department and the Tax Assessors Office.
Any questions regarding tax assessment, property value, State Statutes, etc. should be directed to the Stratford Tax Assessors Office by phone at 203-385-4025 or email at taxassessor@townofstratford.com.
The full agenda for Monday’s Town Council Meeting:
Any individual with a disability who needs special assistance to participate in the meeting should contact the ADA Coordinator at 203-385-4020 or 203-385-4022 (TDD) 5 days before the meeting, if possible.
NOTICE OF MEETING
The Stratford Town Council will conduct a regular meeting on January 13, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers of Stratford Town Hall, 2725 Main Street, Stratford, CT.
PUBLIC FORUM WILL BEGIN AT 6:00 P.M.
AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — regular meeting December 9, 2024
RESOLVED: that the reading of the minutes of the regular meeting of December 9, 2024 be dispensed with as copies thereof have been previously provided to each Council Member and the same be and are hereby approved.
2. CEREMONIAL PRESENTATIONS AND AWARDS
3. COMMUNICATIONS, BILLS, PETITIONS, REMONSTRANCES
4. MAYOR’S REPORT, QUESTIONS FOR THE MAYOR, TOWN ATTORNEY’S REPORT
4.1 MAYOR’S REPORT
4.2 QUESTIONS FOR THE MAYOR
4.3 TOWN ATTORNEY’S REPORT
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS and/or OLD BUSINESS
6. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
6.1 ORDINANCES
6.2 RESOLUTIONS
6.2.1 RESOLUTION REGARDING A FEMA FY24 ASSITANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT APPLICATION SUPPORTING THE PURCHASE OF PPE/SCBA EQUIPMENT FOR THE STRATFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT
Executive Summary: This funding will support a full inventory refresh of SCBA kits and related training for all firefighters we have on staff. SCBA is the breathing apparatus worn by firefighters responding to a call and can be utilized any time there is a chance oxygen access will be impacted. This past year, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) set new standards for SCBA and this full inventory refresh will aid the Fire Department in meeting such standards. The purchase will also include related training for enhancement of accountability and safety. Firefighter safety and response will be enhanced through the new SCBA equipment purchase/inventory refresh.
Sponsored by: Stratford Town Council
WHEREAS, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is authorized to extend financial assistance to municipalities in the form of grants; and,
WHEREAS, this funding has been made possible from the FY24 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program; and,
WHEREAS, the Town of Stratford expends funds supporting the purchase of PPE for the Stratford Fire Department; and,
WHEREAS, it is desirable and in the public interest that the Town of Stratford enter into an agreement with FEMA in the amount of $827,556.36 requiring $82,755.64 in Town Match, to come from Stratford Fire Department Safety Gear/Equipment Fund.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF STRATFORD:
1. That it is cognizant of the Town’s grant application to FEMA for funds to support the purchase of PPE/SCBA equipment and related training for the Stratford Fire Department, and,
2. 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 FEMA, and to implement the program once the award is secured in the name of and on behalf of the Town of Stratford.
6.2.2 RESOLUTION REGARDING A CONNECTICUT COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND (CIF) GRANT APPLICATION SUPPORTING A FLOOD MITIGATION PROJECT AT FERRY BOULEVARD (CT-130) AND
BROAD STREET
Executive Summary: This funding will support the ongoing flood mitigation work at Ferry Boulevard (CT-130) and Broad Street. This project looks to elevate Ferry Blvd/Broad Street to correlate with the bridge replacement of Broad Street over Ferry Creek. This funding will support the construction phase and other required components to bring the project to completion.
Sponsored by: Stratford Town Council
WHEREAS, the CT Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) is authorized to extend financial assistance to municipalities in the form of grants; and,
WHEREAS, this funding has been made possible from Round 6 of DECD’s Community Investment Fund (CIF) and,
WHEREAS, it is desirable and in the public interest that the Town of Stratford enter into an agreement with DECD in the amount of $7,200,625 with a Town match of previously approved funding totaling $878,158.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF STRATFORD:
1. That it is cognizant of the Town’s grant application to DECD’s Round 5 of the Community Investment Fund for funds to support the ongoing flood mitigation project at Ferry Boulevard (CT-130) and Broad Street; and,
2. 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 Round 5 of the Community Investment Fund (CIF) and to continue the flood mitigation project once the award is secured in the name of and on behalf of the Town of Stratford.
6.2.3 RESOLUTION REGARDING A GRANT REQUEST TO THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL FY24 JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT (JAG) PROGRAM SUPPORTING THE PURCHASE OF CONDUCTED ENERGY DEVICES AND RELATED TRAINING
Executive Summary: The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program through the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) provides a wide range of resources including local solicitation grant funding. For FY24, Stratford’s allocation is
$11,353. This grant application will provide funding to begin upgrading the department’s Conducted Energy Device (CED aka Taser) inventory and to train officers on the proper use of the new equipment. The benefits are twofold: (1) new technology CEDs are more reliable and effective, and, (2) our community and law enforcement in general will benefit from officer training on the use, impact, and situational need of these devices, which are a less-lethal response option for law enforcement. This is part of the department’s ongoing efforts in community policing, de-escalation, and accountability. This program entails leasing the equipment.
Sponsored by: Stratford Town Council
WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Justice (U.S. DOJ) is authorized to extend financial assistance to municipalities in the form of grants; and,
WHEREAS, this allocated funding has been made possible by U.S. DOJ’s Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program; and,
WHEREAS, the Town of Stratford through the Stratford Police Department expends funds to support public safety and law enforcement; and,
WHEREAS, it is desirable and in the public interest that the Town of Stratford enter into an agreement with the U.S. DOT in the amount of $11,353 requiring $22,410.40 in Town Match, to come from Stratford Police Department Equipment Fund;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF STRATFORD:
1. That it is cognizant of the Town’s grant application to the U.S. Department of Justice for funds to begin upgrading the Department’s Conducted Energy Devices inventory and to receive related training, and,
2. 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 DOJ’s Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program, and initiate the purchase and training once the award is secured in the name of and on behalf of the Town of Stratford.
6.2.4 RESOLUTION REGARDING A CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MATERIALS MANAGEMENT INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT APPLICATION TO SUPPORT THE CREATION OF A TOWN COMPOSTING PROGRAM IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PARK CITY COMPOST INITIATIVE, INC.
Executive Summary: The Town of Stratford will engage with Park City Compost Initiative, Inc., (PCCI) to operate a food scraps compost program in an area adjacent to the existing municipal transfer station. The goal of this proposed program is to reduce the volume of waste entering the regular municipal solid waste cycle by separating food scraps that will then be turned into finished compost through natural aerobic processes completed onsite. The Town and its residents will benefit fiscally from reduced tipping and shipping fees while also obtaining nutrient-rich compost that can be shared with individuals as well as municipal agencies.
Sponsored by: Stratford Town Council
WHEREAS, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) is authorized to extend financial assistance to municipalities in the form of grants; and,
WHEREAS, this funding has been made possible from the CT DEEP’s Materials Management Infrastructure Grant Program; and,
WHEREAS, the Town of Stratford expends funds to maintain solid waste and recycling at the Stratford Transfer Station; 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 $554,583 with $452,360 in Town Match, which will be in the form of in-kind services.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF STRATFORD:
1. That it is cognizant of the Town’s grant application to CT DEEP for funds to create and install a composting program at the Stratford Transfer Station in partnership with Park City Compost Initiative, Inc., and,
2. 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 implement the project once the award is secured in the name of and on behalf of the Town of Stratford.
7. NEW BUSINESS
7.1 Addendum to the formerly approved 8-24 review of 1000 East Broadway parcel (former Center School property) to include 952 East Broadway parcel as referred by the Planning Commission with a favorable recommendation.
7.2 Referred by Building Needs Committee with a favorable recommendation
Bid: 2025-14 Elevator Modernization: Stratford Library to Hartford Elevator, LLC of Rocky Hill, CT (Basebid & Alternates 1, 3, & 4) in the amount of $255,600
RESOLVED: that Bid: 2025-14 Elevator Modernization: Stratford Library to Hartford Elevator, LLC of Rocky Hill, CT (Basebid & Alternates 1, 3, & 4) in the amount of $255,600 be and is hereby approved and that the mayor be and is hereby authorized to enter into a contract for such in form acceptable to the Town Attorney.
7.3 Catherine Sadlier v. Town of Stratford – Executive session requested
8. ADJOURNMENT
