Town of Stratford council authorizes settlement after closed-door session

The Town of Stratford Town Council met in an emergency special meeting on April 7 and, after an executive session on pending claims and litigation, authorized town staff to proceed with a settlement discussed in that closed session.

Councilmember Lewell moved that the council enter executive session to discuss pending claims and litigation. The motion listed those to attend the closed session, including the mayor; Chief Administrative Officer Chris Tomiak; finance director Don Salo; the entire town council; town attorneys Hodgson, Florrick and Cotter; Richard Petrillo; attorney Petrola; and Mr. Eng. Councilmember Aurelia seconded the motion, and the council recessed into executive session by voice vote.

The council returned from executive session and Councilmember Roman "would move that we proceed with the settlement as discussed in executive session." Councilmember O'Neill seconded the motion. The council approved the motion by voice vote; the chair stated those present had voted in favor and authorized staff to move forward with the settlement.

The meeting agenda listed a single item: pending claims and litigation. The council did not disclose settlement terms or other details in the public record during this meeting. The publicly recorded minutes show only the motions to enter executive session and to proceed with the settlement; no additional factual description of the claims or the settlement amount was provided in the recorded discussion.

The meeting was brief and procedural: the council convened, entered executive session, returned, authorized proceeding with the settlement, and adjourned. No further votes or documents were cited on the public record at this meeting.

The council may still be required to complete paperwork or take additional formal steps, but no such steps were described in the public transcript of this emergency meeting.