Litchfield Board of Selectmen
07/09/26
Present: First Selectman Denise Raap, Dan Morosani, John Bongiorno, Jodiann Tenney, and Jeff Zullo.
Selectman Jodiann Tenney announced her resignation from the Board of Selectman because a recent job opportunity she accepted will prevent her from attending meetings.
“I do want to say it's been a pleasure serving with everybody,” she said.
Selectman Jeff Zullo thanked Tenney for her years of service. “You've been an amazing team member. Thanks for all your hard work,” he said. The BOS appointed Anne Dranginis to fill the vacancy.
Members then appointed Jenn McCoy to the Advanced Technology Committee as an alternate member with a term ending in April 2028. She explained her desire to serve.
“My husband and I moved to Litchfield about nine, ten months ago. Fell in love with the town and we're looking to put down roots,” she said. “And it was important to me that we get involved with the town because we just love absolutely everything about it.”
First Selectman Denise Raap thanked the Department of Public Works for sending assistance to the Town of Harwinton at the request of Harwinton First Selectman Michael Criss. Raap said a crew of four DPW employees brought a chipper and chainsaws to help with cleanup following the July 4 storm.
The BOS also discussed a homestead exemption ordinance. Homestead exemptions typically exempt an individual’s primary residence from a court judgment for money damages up to a statutorily assigned monetary threshold. Raap noted that concerns were raised by the Assessor’s Office regarding the proposed exemption because an additional temporary employee may be needed to help process applications.
Zullo said this is a great exemption for Litchfield’s primary residences and suggested the Assessor’s concerns and the applicable statutes be reviewed by the Town Counsel.
In addition, the Board discussed a Bantam Lake ordinance. Raap noted the Town of Morris passed an ordinance regulating wake boats and similar vessels, as well as water skiing, wakeboarding, and wake surfing on the lake. She said the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is reviewing the ordinance, and Town Counsel has drafted a version specific to Litchfield.
The BOS invited Litchfield resident James Fischer to speak regarding his submitted correspondence on the issue. He said enhanced wakes created by these boats require meaningful regulation and expressed concern about whether the Morris ordinance provides sufficient clarity, protection, and enforceability.
“Litchfield has an opportunity to look at or to potentially adopt a complimentary ordinance that's governing certain wake-driven activities, specifically those that are associated with enhanced wakes on Bantam Lake,” he said.
Also, the BOS discussed putting the installation of speed cameras on the November ballot. Members agreed to do so and discussed specifying the proposed locations — the two school zones and the intersection of Routes 254 and 118 — and whether electors want cameras installed in town. Raap noted that CTDOT has offered to attend a public hearing on speed cameras and answer questions.
The Board approved rescheduling its Oct. 9 meeting to Sept. 29.
