Council introduces $7.8M fire station bond

Town Council · Meeting of June 23, 2026

Newington Town Council introduced a $7.8 million bond resolution for a new Fire Station 4, sending it to a November 3 referendum. Councilor Matthew Plourd moved the measure, Deputy Mayor Kim Radda seconded, and it passed 8-0 with Councilor Kelly deHaas absent; a public hearing is set for July 14. Separately, Minority Leader Gail Budrejko pressed colleagues to form a flag-policy committee, warning the town faces "legal liabilities," while Majority Leader Plourd questioned the "particular urgency." No vote was taken.

The council also heard that Public Act 25-168 could extend veterans' tax exemptions to 13 more properties worth $1,648,120 in assessed value, and a resident accused a parks official of "theft of gas," a claim Town Manager Jonathan Altshul denied.

In the full story:

• Presentations and Proclamations: Honoring Rydecki and NCTV
• Crime and Safety Portal Demonstration
• Public Participation: Parks Department Fuel Allegation
• Flag Policy Debate
• Fire Station 4 Bond Referendum
• Year-End Budget Transfers and Tax Suspense List
• Veterans' Property Tax Exemptions
• EMS Contract with AMR
• Town Manager's Report
• Council Liaison and Committee Reports
• Second Public Participation Round
• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report: 3,071 words

Source: the Town Council meeting of June 23, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript.

The Full Article

Presentations and Proclamations: Honoring Rydecki and NCTV

The council opened with two proclamations unrelated to town business decisions but reflecting institutional milestones. The first recognized Lisa Rydecki, the town's Deputy Director of Finance, who is retiring June 30 after 18 years, including stewardship of the town's Munis payroll system and its Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. Mayor Jon Trister, Majority Leader Matthew Plourd and Minority Leader Gail Budrejko each praised her work; the proclamation passed 7-0, with Deputy Mayor Kim Radda and Councilor Kelly deHaas absent for that specific vote. Resident Rose Lyons, speaking by Zoom, thanked Rydecki for years of help navigating the capital improvement plan budget.

The second proclamation marked the 40th anniversary of Newington Community Television, founded in 1986 by Everett Weaver, Edward Pizzella and former Mayor Joseph P. Doyle. It passed 8-0. Several NCTV volunteers spoke, including a longtime volunteer identified in the meeting only as John, who recalled the station's shift from eight videotapes to an all-digital operation, and volunteer Steve Parker, who credited early contributors including Bob and Bernice Anderson and the late Claire Lear Brown, sister of television producer Norman Lear, for building the station's culture of community service.

Crime and Safety Portal Demonstration

Background and stakes: The Newington Police Department worked with GIS Technician Monique Michaud to build a public-facing data portal, which launched roughly two weeks before the meeting, following an internal brainstorming process that Michaud said Police Chief Perry initiated to extend transparency to residents.

The question before the body: This was an informational demonstration, not an action item.

Substantive content: Michaud walked councilors through four public-facing pages: calls for service, motor vehicle crashes, traffic stops and a speed-limit lookup tool. Calls-for-service data refreshes nightly from dispatch; crash data pulls from the Connecticut Crash Data Repository and is typically delayed four to eight weeks pending state processing; traffic stop data, drawn from the Connecticut Traffic Stop Data Repository, includes demographic breakdowns and currently runs through 2024. All data is downloadable in Excel format, and sensitive call types, including domestic and sexual assault, are redacted. The underlying dataset covers January 1, 2023 to the present. Town Manager Jonathan Altshul said the police department has fielded calls from other Connecticut towns asking how to replicate the tool.

The deliberation: Councilors were uniformly complimentary. Councilor Nancy Cappello asked about data retention and victim privacy safeguards; Michaud confirmed sensitive call types are excluded and said the retention window could change. Councilor A.J. Tiniakos asked whether other town departments had begun integrating the tool; Altshul said he now directs resident traffic and speeding complaints toward the portal rather than relying on anecdote. Councilor Hilda Nieves asked whether red light camera data or mental health dispatch flags could eventually be incorporated; Michaud said she would defer the red light camera question to the police department but that nothing is technically precluded.

"I'm so grateful that you were able to connect with them to do something like this," Councilor Kathy Gonzalez said, asking Michaud to confirm she built the system herself and that Newington is the only town with a comparable public tool; Michaud said that was her understanding.

Implications: The portal is live now for public use at the town's GIS site, viewable only on desktop browsers. No further council action was required or taken.

Public Participation: Parks Department Fuel Allegation

Resident Stuart Calle, 641 Willard Avenue, told the council a newly hired parks and recreation official, identified in the minutes as Mr. Kieras, used the town's municipal fueling depot at the Highway Department to fill a personal vehicle roughly eight weeks into a six-month probationary period. Calle characterized the episode as "theft of gas, plain and simple" and separately criticized a $30,000 contract with a company he called Bonavita for portable toilets, saying the budget sought an additional $10,000 for the same vendor this year.

Altshul responded directly, saying the employee, who serves as superintendent of parks and recreation, is entitled under town policy to use the municipal fueling depot because he holds a take-home vehicle needed to reach the town's nine or ten neighborhood parks, no different than arrangements for the highway superintendent or police chief. "I would straight and honestly deny that that exists," Altshul said of any wrongdoing. No council action was taken; the matter was not on the agenda as a voting item.

Flag Policy Debate

Background and stakes: The question of a town flag policy has recurred for roughly three years, driven most recently by a request from resident Andre Andreas to fly a "Straight Pride" flag and by a 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision, Shurtleff v. City of Boston, that found Boston's lack of a written flag policy exposed it to a viewpoint-discrimination claim when it rejected a Christian flag.

The question before the body: Whether to direct that a flag-policy committee be formed and brought to a future council agenda; no formal motion was on Tuesday's agenda.

Substantive content: Resident David Hourigan summarized the Boston case for the council, explaining that towns generally have three options: display only official government flags, treat the flagpole as pure government speech under a written policy, or open it as a public forum for private speech, in which case a town "cannot reject any flag, no matter how controversial." Residents Dana Havens, Elaina Starr, Peter Forcellina and Colleen Kelly, along with emailed letters from Beth DelBuono and Scott DelBuono read into the record, urged a restrictive policy limiting displays to U.S., Connecticut and Newington flags. Resident Jacob Milton argued for a narrower carve-out tied to "inherent traits" rather than a blanket restriction, citing Southington's experience excluding Italian heritage flags under its own ordinance.

The deliberation: Budrejko said she has raised the issue twice in agenda-setting meetings and been told it would stay within council leadership rather than come to the full council. She said town legal counsel has advised that the absence of a policy risks litigation. Tiniakos said he agreed a committee discussion made sense but would not support an "extremely exclusive" policy. Plourd said he was open to the conversation but questioned the urgency given competing priorities, including upcoming tax bills and veterans' exemptions; he noted the town has "raised this flag that has prompted this discussion three years in a row." Councilor Cappello and Deputy Mayor Radda both said they supported eventually forming a committee but also cited more pressing business.

Resident and former Mayor Beth DelBuono, speaking by Zoom, pushed back on Plourd directly, saying she felt he had minimized Budrejko's request and noting that the council's own rules of procedure, adopted when Republicans held a prior supermajority, were written specifically so any single councilor could add an agenda item without needing consensus.

Procedural steps and outcome: No motion was made. Budrejko stated she was "formally and publicly requesting" that the flag-policy item be placed on a future council agenda for discussion. No vote occurred.

Implications: The item remains unresolved heading into the council's next agenda-setting meeting, with no date yet set for a formal vote on forming a committee.

Fire Station 4 Bond Referendum

Background and stakes: The council has been developing plans for a new Fire Station 4 at 84 Fifth Street; Tuesday's action formally introduced the bonding and referendum resolution required under the town charter.

The question before the body: Whether to introduce a resolution appropriating $7.8 million and schedule a public hearing and referendum.

Substantive content: The resolution appropriates $7,800,000 and authorizes bonds or notes in the same amount, with the appropriation covering demolition, design, construction, equipment and related costs, net of any grants received. It schedules a public hearing for 6:30 p.m. July 14, to be held in person and via Zoom Webinar, and places the question before voters at the November 3, 2026 general election, with the referendum question appearing on voting tabulators and paper ballots. The resolution also refers the project to the Planning and Zoning Commission under Connecticut General Statutes Section 8-24.

The deliberation: Councilor Plourd read the introduction and resolution language. Altshul reminded the council that charter rules bar further substantive discussion of the resolution once introduced, limiting comment to procedural matters such as the hearing date. During public comment, resident Donald Brown urged the council to keep the project moving "for public safety," while no speaker opposed it directly.

Procedural steps and outcome: Moved by Councilor Plourd, seconded by Deputy Mayor Radda, the introduction passed 8-0 with Councilor deHaas absent.

Implications: Residents will have a formal opportunity to comment at the July 14 public hearing before the question goes to a town-wide vote November 3.

Year-End Budget Transfers and Tax Suspense List

The council approved, each by 8-0 votes with Councilor deHaas absent, two year-end appropriation transfers recommended by Acting Director of Finance Lauren Rhines: $97,227 within the General Fund, including $29,627 to the Highway Department, $10,000 to Parks Administration, $30,000 to a public safety equipment reserve and $27,600 to consultants, plus authorization for the town manager to transfer up to $175,000 to the town's pension trust funds; and $62,224.22 in CIP funds repurposed from a National Welding account to the Radio Lease fund. The council also approved, 8-0, a $300,788.40 transfer to the Suspense Tax Book for uncollectible 2024-2025 accounts and the removal of $9,810.58 in outstanding 2010 Grand List real estate receivables, both recommended by Revenue Collector Stacey Emmanuel. Emmanuel's report noted the town maintains a 98.7 percent collection rate on the current Grand List and collected $135,440.57 from previously suspended accounts in 2025-2026.

Veterans' Property Tax Exemptions

Background and stakes: Connecticut's Public Act 25-168 gave municipalities five new local options to expand or limit veterans' property tax exemptions, following concerns raised at the May 26 council meeting that some veterans unable to work lack the "service-connected permanent and total disability" rating needed for existing exemptions.

The question before the body: Whether to direct staff to draft a resolution adopting any of the five options; no resolution was before the council Tuesday.

Substantive content: Town Assessor Danielle Dippolino's data, included in Altshul's June 3 memo, showed the TDIU option would affect 13 properties with $1,648,120 in assessed value and roughly $48,471 in shifted tax liability at the 29.41 mill rate; extending exemptions to two acres of land would affect 27 properties ($48,178 impact); extending to surviving spouses would affect two properties ($10,751); capping exemptions at the median assessed value would generate $27,130 in additional revenue from 33 properties; and extending to Gold Star spouses currently affects zero properties in town.

The deliberation: Plourd said feedback from veterans at a recent American Legion event showed many feel "it's incumbent on us to expand those exemptions further." Nieves asked why veterans must reapply annually; Dippolino explained the VA can revise disability ratings over time. Cappello said she supports the concept but wants to understand "the long-term fiscal impact" before voting. Gonzalez and Plourd both said the number of affected veterans should not drive the decision. Altshul noted Connecticut's fee-revenue rules prevent cross-subsidizing the lost tax revenue, meaning any expansion would need an offsetting revenue source or simply shift burden to other taxpayers.

Procedural steps and outcome: No resolution was drafted. Mayor Trister said the item would remain on a future agenda for continued discussion and possible action.

Implications: Any adopted changes would not take effect until the October 2026 Grand List, meaning taxes affected would not be due until 2027, giving the council additional time to decide.

EMS Contract with AMR

Background and stakes: The town's EMS Committee, chaired by resident Edward Neuvel, met June 17 and recommended renewing the town's ambulance services agreement with American Medical Response of Connecticut for a three-year term from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029, with no changes to contract language.

The question before the body: Whether to authorize the town manager to execute the AMR contract; Tuesday's meeting was informational only, with the council agreeing no rules needed to be waived because AMR's service continues uninterrupted regardless of execution timing.

Substantive content: The draft agreement sets response-time standards (8:59 minutes for Priority 1 calls, 14:59 for Priority 2, 90 percent of the time monthly) and designates AMR as the daytime basic ambulance provider, with Newington Emergency Medical Services, Inc. covering nights, weekends and holidays.

Procedural steps and outcome: No vote was taken; Altshul said he would seek authorization to execute the contract at the July 14 meeting.

Town Manager's Report

Altshul briefed the council on several fronts: the Town Center Master Plan Steering Committee met the morning of the meeting to begin directing $2 million in bond commission funds toward parking, traffic, branding and signage studies in the town center, with Altshul emphasizing the goal is implementable engineered plans rather than another study; a potential emergency radio tower site was identified on an abandoned Department of Transportation right-of-way on Cedar Street that the town learned it already owns; incoming Finance Director Karen Cyr, currently with the Board of Education, starts the following week; the Fire Marshal position has been advertised; and a department-head-level personnel announcement was expected the following day. Altshul also confirmed the red light camera vendor selection process is advancing toward a contract award, with public hearings to follow before any installation. Councilor Budrejko asked why budgeted police overtime of $5,600 was underspent at $700 and why Parks and Grounds overtime ran nearly $40,000 over budget; Altshul said he would follow up with Police Chief Perry and return with answers.

Council Liaison and Committee Reports

Councilor Plourd reported on a Board of Education meeting addressing personnel matters at Patterson School and the board's reconciled budget, which will fund paraeducator health insurance starting in September. He also attended a Planning and Zoning Commission meeting introducing regulations tied to a recent state housing bill, and a tour of the school-based health center, supported by a $159,000 state investment. Deputy Mayor Radda reported on the Conservation Commission, which held a moment of silence for the late Phil Block and requested a memorial tree and plaque, and discussed concerns about the radio tower access road crossing a conservation easement. She also reported that the Board of Fire Commissioners appointed John Hofmann Acting Fire Marshal following a predecessor's departure and discussed a lease-purchase agreement for a ladder truck. Hofmann, invited to speak, said the transition has gone smoothly.

Second Public Participation Round

Andre Andreas returned to criticize the council for not formally voting on his request to fly a "Straight Pride" flag, calling the inaction a violation of his civil rights given the council's support for other special-interest flags. Beth DelBuono, speaking live, defended Budrejko's push for a flag-policy committee and criticized Plourd's earlier remarks as dismissive. Rose Lyons and Dana Havens both urged the council, separately, to keep the town's pool renovation committee meeting actively rather than pausing it, with Havens noting "there is no cost for your committee to continue to meet." Resident Louis, who did not give a surname, raised concerns about red light camera accident data and questioned police compliance with speed limits. Jacob Milton returned to clarify an earlier comment that some councilors found dismissive of the flag-policy debate, saying he still supports a policy but has other priorities, including flooding and housing affordability.

No council votes followed this comment period beyond a unanimous 8-0 adjournment at 9:49 p.m.

WHO WAS THERE

• Mayor Jon Trister, presiding.
• Deputy Mayor Kim Radda, present for roll call; recorded absent for the Rydecki proclamation vote only.
• Majority Leader Matthew Plourd, present.
• Minority Leader Gail Budrejko, present.
• Councilor Nancy Cappello, present.
• Councilor Kathy Gonzalez, present.
• Councilor Hilda Nieves, present.
• Councilor A.J. Tiniakos, present.
• Councilor Kelly deHaas, absent for the entire meeting.
• Jonathan Altshul, Town Manager.
• Lauren Rhines, Assistant Town Manager and Acting Director of Finance.
• Danielle Dippolino, Town Assessor.
• Monique Michaud, GIS Technician.
• Scott Hoagland, IT Network/Application Specialist and meeting moderator.
• Susan Gibbon, Council Clerk.
• John Hofmann, Acting Fire Marshal, addressed the council on fire marshal transition during committee reports.
• Public commenters included Stuart Calle, Louis (no surname given), Dana Havens, Elaina Starr, Colleen Kelly, Donald Brown, Peter Forcellina, Rose Lyons (via Zoom), David Hourigan, Jacob Milton, Edward Neuvel (EMS Committee chairperson and Senior Center Commission attendee), Andre Andreas, and former Mayor Beth DelBuono (via Zoom); emailed statements from Beth DelBuono and Scott DelBuono were read into the record.
• NCTV volunteers who spoke during the anniversary proclamation included a volunteer identified only as John and volunteer Steve Parker.

ORGANIZATIONS AND DOCUMENTS REFERENCED

• American Medical Response of Connecticut, Inc. (AMR): current and proposed emergency ambulance services provider under the three-year contract discussed as new business.
• Newington Emergency Medical Services, Inc. (NEMS): nighttime and weekend ambulance provider referenced in the AMR draft agreement.
• Weston and Sampson: engineering consultant cited by resident Dana Havens as having delivered pool design options to the town pools committee.
• Newington Community Television (NCTV): nonprofit honored for its 40th anniversary.
• Connecticut Department of Administrative Services: cited in a Finance Department memo regarding a pending invoice for the 525 Russell Road conservation easement survey.
• Public Act 25-168: state law cited in the Town Manager's veterans' exemption memo, creating five local exemption options.
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: determines disability ratings underlying existing and proposed veterans' exemptions.
• Newington Planning and Zoning Commission: Fire Station 4 resolution refers the project to this commission under Connecticut General Statutes Section 8-24.
• Town Charter Sections 406, 408 and 808: cited respectively for public hearing notice requirements, the referendum process and budget transfer certification.
• Connecticut General Statutes Sections 12-165 and 12-164: cited in the Revenue Collector's memo authorizing the suspense tax list transfer and removal of aged real estate receivables.
• Connecticut Crash Data Repository and Connecticut Traffic Stop Data Repository: state data sources underlying the new Crime and Safety Portal.
• Shurtleff v. City of Boston: 2022 U.S. Supreme Court case cited repeatedly by residents and councilors discussing the need for a municipal flag policy.
• Town Center Master Plan Steering Committee: met the day of the meeting to begin directing $2 million in bond commission funds toward town center studies.
• Board of Education: reported personnel matters at Patterson School and reconciled budget providing paraeducator health insurance.
• Conservation Commission: discussed radio tower access road concerns and memorialized the late Phil Block.
• Board of Fire Commissioners: appointed John Hofmann Acting Fire Marshal and discussed a ladder truck lease-purchase agreement.