Danbury City Council Advances Grants, And Opens Pay-Scale Proposal For Officials

DANBURY, CT — The Danbury City Council moved forward on several funding items, advanced public-safety upgrades, and voted to review proposed salary adjustments for elected officials during its Dec. 4 meeting.

Public Comment Supports Pending Grants

One resident spoke during the public comment period, urging the council to support six grants listed on the agenda, noting that most did not require a city funding match. The council later approved all items in a broad consent calendar.

The consent approvals included donations to the fire department, mortgage releases, grant applications for the library and elderly services, and a police training agreement with the Federal Correctional Institution.

Appointments and Lease Renewal Referred for Review

The council unanimously approved appointments to the Government Entities Review Committee, including three council members and two longtime citizen volunteers. Reappointments of Alan Boyce and Mark Corey were also confirmed.

A proposed lease renewal for the city-operated Duckpin Bowling Lanes at Hatter’s Park was referred to the Planning Commission for a statutory review.

Water Main Extension and Eminent Domain Request Sent for Reports

A request to extend a water main to 68 Morgan Avenue was sent to the Planning Commission and city engineer for evaluation.

Later in the meeting, the council referred a request involving potential eminent-domain action for a utility easement on Lombardy Street to both the Planning Commission and the city engineer.

Proposal to Adjust Elected-Official Compensation Heads to Committee

A detailed proposal from council members Joe Britton and William McAllister seeking a comprehensive review of compensation for Danbury’s elected offices—including the mayor, town clerk and treasurer—was referred to a five-member ad hoc committee.

The proposal argues that Danbury’s salaries are out of alignment with similarly sized Connecticut cities and recommends a “salary reset” along with an annual adjustment mechanism tied to federal cost-of-living metrics.

City Advances $4 Million Pedestrian-Safety Application

The council approved submission of a $4 million Local Transportation Improvement Program (LOTCIP) application for citywide pedestrian-safety upgrades, including new signal-controller technology. No city match is required.

Council members asked whether long-requested crosswalks could be incorporated into the project. City Engineer Antonio Iadarola said this application focuses on signalized locations, but other grant-funded projects address additional crosswalk improvements.

Additional State Funding Approved for Homeless Shelters

The council accepted up to $124,000 in new state funding to support operations at the city’s homeless shelters on New Street and Elm Street, extending the existing contract through March 2026.

When questioned about winter capacity, Health and Human Services Director Fernanda Carvalho said emergency cold-weather sheltering is open at the United Jewish Center and that both city shelters have additional room for anticipated demand.

Council members also approved an amendment to a 2023 emergency-shelter grant, updating the award amount to $805,000 through June 30, 2027.

Audit Accepted; Department Heads Address Operations Questions

The council adopted the city’s audited financial statements for fiscal 2024, prepared by RSM.

During departmental reports, council members questioned police leadership about school-bus-violation statistics and traffic-warning protocols, and asked public works staff about the temporary shutdown of the city’s biodiesel facility due to reduced economic incentives. Staff also reported progress on installing a new elevator at Hayestown Avenue School, expected to be complete by late February.

Most Ad Hoc Committees Sunsetted

Before adjournment, Alves announced that most inactive ad hoc committees would be formally sunsetted, with the exception of the Marjorie Reservoir Trail Advisory Committee. The meeting adjourned shortly after 10 p.m.