Litchfield Board of Selectmen
2/3/2026; 5:30 PM
Present: First Selectman Denise Raap, and Selectmen Daniel Morosani, John Bongiorno, and Jeffrey Zullo
At the top of the meeting, minutes were approved from the Board’s Jan. 20 regular meeting, Jan. 24 special meeting, and public hearing on Jan. 24.
In the First Selectman’s Update Report, Raap commended Litchfield Fire Department for organizing a group of volunteers to dig out fire hydrants, noting residents with hydrants near their property can assist in the effort. She also thanked the Public Works Department for its work during the last storm.
Several community members spoke during public comment about the benefits of Oliver Wolcott Library (OWL). OWL Library Director of 25 years Ann Marie White made a presentation during the meeting.
White said the library has been “aggressive” in looking for grant opportunities and private donors to help with funding. She said she has always provided the Board of Selectmen with a “detailed” budget, which includes both what their hoped-for request is as well as past information. Raap said the Board would be looking at the budget in its entirety, then would start approving and moving forward with a budget in March.
Following a Region 20 Board of Education update, Zullo made a motion that the Board of Selectmen “strongly encourage” the Region 20 Board to form a Finance Committee. Raap noted she has reached out to the Board of Education requesting the formation of a regional board of finance.
After hearing from Eric Fredrickson of USA Hauling on behalf of Litchfield’s Municipal Solid Waste and Recyclables program, Bongiorno made a motion, seconded by Zullo, and the Board approved a new 10-year contract extension, contingent on updated verbiage and final numbers.
The Board discussed Town Facilities, including the possible dissolution of the Town Facilities Review Committee. The Committee had been tasked with reviewing and evaluating Town Facility needs and making recommendations to the Board for their most efficient use.
Zullo, a member of the Town Facilities Review Committee, explained that the decision the Board of Selectmen has to make is to “accept the Committee’s reports, the recommendations therein, give options, and then this Board needs to take action, go forward.” The next thing, he said, would be a public hearing, which the Board discussed having in spring.
The Town Facilities Review Committee’s appointments, Zullo explained, are set to end in March. A motion was made to let the Committee dissolve, which was approved.
Raap reported on the Jan. 24 public hearing concerning speed cameras. She said that those who attended were split about 50/50. The Board agreed to table the discussion and keep it on the agenda to do additional work on making it an ordinance that residents can consider.
The Board voted for Litchfield to accept up to a $99,556 grant from the State of Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Sustainable Materials Management Grant Program to establish a pilot program.
Bongiorno motioned to add $15,000 to the Litchfield Planning & Zoning Commission blanket for legal fees, as well approve a payment of $8,430. Zullo seconded the motion, which was passed by the Board.
At 7:59 p.m. the Board moved into executive session.
