Branford selectmen approve tax settlements, contracts, alcohol exemptions and proclaim Arbor Day

The Board of Selectmen of the Town of Branford met Jan. 21, 2026 at the Community House and approved a series of settlements, contracts, event permits and appointments.

First Selectman Joshua Brooks called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. with Third Selectman Jeffrey E. Vailette present; Second Selectman Raymond E. Dunbar, Jr. was absent. Attorney James Perito and Lead Tradesman Brian Droney were recorded as present.

In executive session the board discussed pending tax appeals and, after returning to open session, approved a proposed settlement in Robinson v. Town of Branford regarding 6 Linden Point Road. The board also approved tax abatements effective on the date of property acquisition for two parcels conveyed to the Branford Land Trust: the parcel formerly owned by Shih-Yin Ho (3–7 Rockland Park, conveyed Sept. 24, 2024) and Bancas Island (conveyed Dec. 27, 2023).

The board approved emergency repairs at the Transfer Station Scale House related to a fire. Lead Tradesman Brian Droney presented the report; the work by R.A. Torre Painting was approved at $25,580.

Selectmen approved several procurement actions. They waived competitive bidding and awarded a $16,000 contract to Vogel Glass Company, LLC for six 90-minute fire-rated classroom doors at the Branford Early Learning Center. They also waived bidding and authorized Department of Public Works tenant-fit out work at 30 East Industrial Road to A. Secondino & Son, Inc., accepting a proposal of $380,730 and setting a 15% contingency (total not to exceed $437,840).

The board granted multiple temporary exemptions under section 115-4 of the Town of Branford Code allowing consumption of beer and wine at specified community events. The Stony Creek Museum was approved to serve beer and wine at four meetings/fundraisers between February 2026 and February 2027. The Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library was approved to serve beer and wine at a music event on Feb. 28, 2026, and the Friends of the Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library were granted exemptions to serve beer and wine at monthly art-opening receptions.

First Selectman Brooks read a proclamation declaring April 24, 2026, as Arbor Day in the Town of Branford and urging citizens to plant and protect trees. "Now, therefore, we, The Board of Selectmen of the Town of Branford, do hereby proclaim April 24, 2026 as Arbor Day in the Town of Branford and urge all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day and to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands," Brooks read.

The board approved appointments to the Human Services Board, appointing Sandra Fillion to fill a vacancy (term to Dec. 31, 2028) and reappointing John Mooney and Vincent Ragonese to terms expiring Dec. 31, 2028.

The meeting adjourned at 6:22 p.m.; Clerk Trista Milici submitted the minutes.