SINCE 1815
A Heritage River Community Growing on Strong Foundations
town BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
Welcome to our Boards & Commission's Page.
We have many Resident's who are involved with our Town
by requesting or being appointed to Boards of community special interests.
VACANCIES ON TOWN BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission - Alternate
Any Jewett City/Griswold resident interested in serving shall submit a letter of interest to Todd Babbitt, First Selectman, 28 Main St. Jewett City, CT 06351 or
Links:
Board of Assessment Appeals
Board of Assessment Appeals
Carl R. Brown (Chairman)
Frederick Marzec, Jr.
Lewis A. Button III
HEARING REQUIREMENTS
If a taxpayer disagrees with the assessment that has been placed on his or her real estate, motor vehicle, or personal property, the taxpayer should first check with the Assessor's Office to ensure there are no inaccuracies in the records for the property. Once this has been verified, if there is still a dispute, the taxpayer has the right to meet with the Board of Assessment Appeals to discuss the matter.
The Board of Assessment Appeals meets first in the spring, after the grand list has been signed, to hear disputes on the Grand List's Real Estate and Personal Property assessments, as well as the Motor Vehicle Supplemental list only. Please note, if the Grand List is signed the end of January, the applications are available February 1st through February 20th. If the Grand List is signed the end of February, the application period is March 1st through March 20th. In regard to Real Estate and Personal Property appeals pursuant to Connecticut General Statute you must apply in writing in order to obtain an appointment with the Board of Assessment Appeals, and the application must be filed in the Assessor's Office within the allotted 20 day period listed above unless the 20th falls on a weekend or holiday. A postmark only is not acceptable. Applications are available upon request in the Assessor's office and a printable version online.
If you wish to be represented by someone other than yourself, you must provide in writing a letter to the BOAA the name and address of the representative. The Board also meets in the fall for disputes with the Grand List's Motor Vehicle assessments only. Applications are not required for the fall meeting. Should you wish to appeal your motor vehicle assessment it will be on a walk-in basis. You may call the Assessor's Office for the date and time of the hearings.
The burden of proof is on the taxpayer to prove that the assessment is erroneous. Within a few weeks of the hearing, the Board will send you written notice of their decision. Should you fail to prevail with the Board, you may file with the Superior Court within sixty (60) days of the decision from the Board.
Board of Education
GRISWOLD BOARD OF EDUCATION
Mary Beth Malin,Chair
Yvonne Palasky, Vice Chairman
Joyce Rice, Secretary
Stuart Norman Jr.
Jaimee O'Neill-Eaton
Martin Osga
Shannon Webster
Board of Education Policies
Each local and regional Board of Education in Connecticut is responsible for providing the best possible education to all its students. Boards and their administrators must make complex decisions which respond to the needs of the entire academic community, the best educational practices and theories. and state and federal laws.
The school district cannot function effectively within these constraints unless it operates from the basis of sound, carefully deliberated policy.
To view the complete list of Griswold Board of Education Policies, please visit:
http://www.policy.cabe.org/griswold/
Link to GRISWOLD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Griswold Discrimination Complaint
Griswold Sexual Harassment Complaint
Board of Finance
Board of Finance
Scott Davis (Chairman)
Valerie Grills
Daniel E. Webster
Gail J. Rooke-Norman
Alex Grzelak
Steve Mikutel
BOARD INFORMATION & LINKS:
The Board of Finance meets the Third Tuesday of each month. Their meeting begins at 7:00 p.m.
2019 GRAND LIST MILL RATES
Griswold 29.10
Borough of Jewett City 3.50
DUTIES:
The Board of Finance is responsible for Appropriations and Laying of tax. Two weeks before the annual town meeting, the Finance Board holds a public hearing, at which itemized estimates of the expenditures of the town for the ensuing fiscal year shall be presented and at which all persons shall be heard in regard to any appropriation which they are desirous that the Finance Board should recommend or reject.
After such public hearing, the Board of Finance holds a public meeting at which it considers the estimate presented and any other matters brought to its attention
Board of Finance prepares a report in a form prescribed by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management containing: (1) An itemized statement of all actual receipts from all sources of such town during its last fiscal year; (2) an itemized statement by classification of all actual expenditures during the same year; (3) an itemized estimate of anticipated revenues during the ensuing fiscal year from each source other than from local property taxes and an estimate of the amount which should be raised by local property taxation for such ensuing fiscal year; (4) an itemized estimate of expenditures of such town for such ensuing fiscal year; and (5) the amount of revenue surplus or deficit of the town at the beginning of the fiscal year for which estimates are being prepared. Copies are available for distribution five days before the annual budget meeting of such town.
The Board of Finance submits the estimate with its recommendations to the annual town meeting where the Finance Board will take action upon the estimate and recommendations, and make specific appropriations as appear advisable, but no appropriation shall be made exceeding in amount that for the same purpose recommended by the Finance Board and no appropriation shall be made for any purpose not recommended by the Finance Board.
Such estimate and recommendations may include, if submitted to a vote by voting tabulator, questions to indicate whether the budget is too high or too low. The vote on such questions shall be for advisory purposes only, and not binding upon the Board of Finance.
When the grand list has been completed, the Board of Finance meets and, with due provision for estimated uncollectible taxes, abatements and corrections, sets the mill rate on the list. In addition to the other estimated yearly income of such town and in addition to such revenue surplus, if any, as may be appropriated, not only to pay the expenses of the town for such current year, but also to absorb the revenue deficit of such town, if any, at the beginning of such current year.
Capital Improvement Committee
Capital Improvement Committee
James W. Barnie (Chairman)
Dan Webster
Richard Grabowski
Martin Osga
James Kreuger
Louis Demicco III
Alex Grzelak
BOARD INFORMATION & LINKS:
This committee meets at 6:00 p.m. on the
Fourth Thursday on selected dates in the Selectmen's Meeting Room
DUTIES:
A capital improvement is defined by contract and varying state and federal laws, but generally is defined as a non-recurring expenditure or any expenditure for physical improvements, including costs for: acquisition of existing buildings, land, or interests in land; construction of new buildings or other structures, including additions and major alterations; construction of streets and highways or utility lines; acquisition of fixed equipment; landscaping; and similar expenditures.
It may mean any change, alteration, rearrangement or addition to existing facilities. It is also new construction, acquisition or improvements to sites, buildings, or service systems.
Capital improvements are costs related to making changes to improve capital assets, increase their useful life, or add to the value of these assets. Capital improvements may be structural improvements or other renovations to a building, or they may enhance usefulness or productivity.
Capital improvements, which must be capitalized, are distinguished from deductible repairs, which are more minor in nature.
Creative Arts & Cultural Committee
Economic Development Commission
Economic Development Commission
Thomas Giard (Chairman)
Paul Lach
Charlotte Geer (Secretary)
Kenneth Bousquet
James W. Barnie (Vice Chair)
BOARD INFO & LINKS:
Economic Development in Griswold
Meets on the Third Wednesday of each month, unless otherwise noted, at 7:00 p.m.
Economic Development Commission is composed of five members who are appointed by the Board of Selectmen.. The term of office is for four years. The Economic Development Commission is charged with promoting economic growth and acting as a support organization for development. The EDC has a public forum as part of its meeting agenda and welcomes ideas for development from Town and Borough Residents
Vacancy filled by D, R or I - maximum of 3D or 3R on commission.
Anyone who is interested in filling a vacancy as a Democrat, Republican or as an independent member on the Economic Development Commission may write a letter to the Board of Selectmen for consideration to fill this five year term.
Ethics Commission
Ethics Commission
Mark Sulik (Chairperson)
Kathrine Petersen (Vice Chairman)
Elizabeth Scannell (Secretary)
Pat Chao
Joe D'Errico
DUTIES:
Ethics Commission fosters transparency, promotes open government, and ensures compliance with ethics laws through a comprehensive approach that emphasizes prevention, enforcement, and collaboration.
Prevention activities consist of education, outreach, information, and advocacy to help individuals understand and comply with government integrity laws and to suggest legislative changes when necessary. The Commission is a resource for Town staff, public officials, candidates for local elective office, lobbyists, contractors doing business with Town residents, businesses and other organizations.
Collaboration recognizes that lasting results are achieved through clear policies and process, effective management and provision of staff resources, technology and infrastructure that support the process, and an understanding of citizen expectations. A collaborative approach includes engagement, innovation, and partnership to leverage the efforts of City and community partners working on similar or overlapping initiatives and facilitate changes in systems and culture to achieve ethical and open government outcomes.
VIEW OUR TOWN OF GRISWOLD, CT - ETHICS CODES
Housing Authority - Elderly Housing
Housing Authority - Elderly Housing
Paul Brycki, Director
Phone Number: 860.376.4516
Richard Grabowski (Chairman)
Judith Merrill (Vice-Chair)
Donald Walsh Jr.
Tina Falck
Leona Minski
VIEW OUR TOWN'S HOUSING PAGE
DUTIES:
The Griswold Housing Authority operates 60 units of elderly housing in two subsidized developments. The Housing Authority is established under Section 8-40 of the Connecticut General Statutes. Griswold Rents are income-based. Seniors must be at least 62 and have a maximum annual income of $30,000 for a single person.
Ashland Manor
92 Ashland Street, Griswold
Independent Living Facility
McCluggage Manor
242 Taylor Hill Road, Griswold
Independent Living Facility
Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Conservation Commission
& Aquifer Protection Agency
Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Conservation Commission & Aquifer Protection Agency
Courtland Kinnie (Chairman)
Robert Parrette (Vice Chairman)
Clarence G. Merrill
Kevin Franklin
Glen Norman
Gary Serdechny
Lawrence Laidley
Martin McKinney Jr. (Alternate)
Pavlos Karakatsanis (Alternate)
Vacant (Alternate)
DUTIES:
The Griswold Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission has a duty to try and to help preserve natural resources within the town. Therefore, the Commission regulates most proposed activities that take place either within a wetland, watercourse or water body, or within 75 feet of these areas for residential projects and 150 feet for commercial projects. This means that a permit is required from the Inland Wetlands Commission before starting any work in these areas.
FOR WORK PROPOSED AT THE SHORELINE OF OR WITHIN PACHAUG POND WATERWAYS, BELOW THE DAM SPILLWAY ELEVATION OF 159.52 FEET (NGVD), A CONNECTICUT DEPT. ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION REVIEW IS REQUIRED.
YOU MUST CALL CALL THE DEEP INLAND WATER RESOURCES DIVISION AT 860-424-3866
If you have any questions about what is a regulated activity don’t hesitate to call the Wetland Enforcement Officer or the Land Use Office.
A Soil Scientist must make the determination whether there are wetlands on a property, . The Society of Soil Scientists of Southern New England has a listing of qualified Soil Scientists who may perform wetland delineations and other environmental evaluations as private consultants.
The Griswold Aquifer Protection Agency is tasked with the administration of the State of Connecticut’s Aquifer Protection Area Program that protects major public water supply wells in sand and gravel aquifers to ensure a plentiful supply of public drinking water for present and future generations. Aquifer Protection Areas (sometimes referred to as “wellhead protection areas”) have been designated around the state’s 127 active well fields in sand and gravel aquifers that serve more than 1000 people. Land use regulations have been established in those areas to minimize the potential for contamination of the well field. The regulations restrict development of certain new land use activities that use, store, handle or dispose of hazardous materials and requires existing regulated land uses to register and follow best management practices.
The Aquifer Protection Area Program responsibilities are shared by the state DEEP, the municipalities and the water companies.
IWW & CC Public Hearings generally start by 7:00 P.M.
Regular Meeting held the Third Thursday of each month starting at 7:30 PM.
Planning & Zoning
IWWCC & APA
Economic Development
Zoning Board of Appeals
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2019 Application Deadline
12/31/18
01/28/19
02/25/19
03/25/19
04/29/19
05/24/19
06/24/19
07/29/19
08/26/19
09/30/19
10/28/19
11/25/19
12/30/19
Monday
Monday
Monday
Monday
Monday
Friday*
Monday
Monday
Monday
Monday
Monday
Monday
Monday
01/14/19
02/11/19
03/11/19
04/08/19
05/13/19
06/10/19
07/08/19
08/12/19
09/09/19
10/15/19
11/11/19
12/09/19
01/13/20
Monday
Monday
Monday
Monday
Monday
Monday
Monday
Monday
Tuesday
Monday
Monday
Monday
Monday
2019 Meeting Date
2018 Application Deadline
Monday
Monday
Monday
Monday
Monday
Friday*
Monday
Monday
Monday
Monday
Monday
Monday
Monday
01/08/18
02/12/18
03/12/18
04/09/18
05/14/18
06/11/18
07/09/18
08/13/18
09/10/18
10/09/18
11/12/18
12/10/18
01/14/19
12/22/17
01/29/18
02/26/18
03/26/18
04/30/18
05/25/18
06/25/18
07/30/18
08/27/18
09/24/18
10/29/18
11/26/18
12/31/18
Monday
Monday
Monday
Monday
Monday
Monday
Monday
Monday
Tuesday
Monday
Monday
Monday
Monday
2018 Meeting Date
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2018 Application
Deadline
01/03/18
01/31/18
02/28/18
04/04/18
05/02/18
06/06/18
07/03/18
08/01/18
09/05/18
10/03/18
10/31/18
12/05/18
01/02/19
2018 Meeting Date
Wednesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
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Wednesday
Wednesday
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Thursday
Thursday
Thursday
Thursday
Thursday
Thursday
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Thursday
Thursday
01/18/18 02/15/18
03/15/18
04/21/18
05/17/18
06/21/18
07/19/18
08/16/18
09/20/18
10/18/18
11/15/18
12/20/18
01/17/19
Wednesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
01/03/19
02/07/19
03/06/19
04/03/19
05/01/19
06/05/19
07/03/19
07/30/19
09/04/19
10/02/19
11/06/19
12/04/19
01/01/20
2019 Application Deadline
2019 Meeting Date
01/17/19 02/21/19
03/21/19
04/18/19
05/16/19
06/20/19
07/18/19
08/15/19
09/19/19
10/17/19
11/21/19
12/19/19
01/16/20
Thursday
Thursday
Thursday
Thursday
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Thursday
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Wednesday
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Wednesday
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Wednesday
Wednesday
01/16/19
02/20/19
03/20/19
04/17/19
05/15/19
06/19/19
07/17/19
08/21/19
09/18/19
10/18/19
11/20/19
12/18/19
01/15/20
2019 Meeting Date
2018 Meeting Date
01/17/18
02/21/18
03/21/18
04/18/18
05/16/18
06/20/18
07/18/18
08/15/18
09/19/18
10/17/18
11/21/18
12/18/18
01/16/19
Monday
Friday
Friday
Monday
Monday
Monday
Monday
Monday
Monday
Monday
Monday
Monday
Monday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
2018 Application Deadline
12/19/18
01/18/19*
02/18/19*
03/18/19
04/15/19
05/20/19
06/17/19
07/22/19
08/19/19
09/16/19
10/21/19
11/18/19
12/16/19
12/18/17
01/22/18*
02/20/18*
03/19/18
04/16/18
05/21/18
06/18/18
07/16/18
08/20/18
09/17/18
10/22/18
11/19/18
12/17/18
01/02/19
02/06/19
03/06/19
04/03/19
05/01/19
06/05/19
07/03/19
08/07/19
09/04/19
10/02/19
11/06/19
12/04/19
01/01/20
2019 Meeting Date
Monday
Friday
Friday
Monday
Monday
Monday
Monday
Monday
Monday
Monday
Monday
Monday
Monday
2018 Meeting Date
Wednesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
01/03/18
02/07/18
03/07/18
04/04/18
05/02/18
06/06/18
07/04/18
08/01/18
09/05/18
10/03/18
11/07/18
12/05/18
01/02/19
2019 Application Deadline
Open Space Land Acquisition Commission
Open Space Land Acquisition Commission
DUTIES:
Its charge shall be to identify and/or review potential acquisitions of land or interests in land for open space, natural resource protection, recreational or agricultural purposes, to make recommendations to the Board of Selectmen regarding acquisition of such land and other proper uses of the Open Space Land Acquisition Fund and to perform such other tasks relating to the use and administration of the fund as the Board of Selectmen may direct.
VIEW SUPPORTING ORDINANCE
Pond Weed Control Committee
Pond Weed Control Committee
Tom Giard
Archie Drobiak
Kevin Trahan
Pat Peterson
John Gagnon
Evert Gawendo
Planning & Zoning Commission
Planning & Zoning Commission
Martin McKinney (Chairman)
Courtland Kinnie (Vice Chairman)
Erik A. Kudlis
Jacob Valentine
Robert Parrette
David Bennett (Alternate)
James Krueger (Alternate)
Peter W. Zvingilas (Alternate)
DUTIES
The Griswold Planning & Zoning Commission considers public hearings prior to the regular meeting to hear petitioner’s remarks and public comment.
Efforts will be made to provide adaptations or accommodations, based on individual needs, for qualified individuals with disabilities in any program or service offered by the Griswold Planning & Zoning Commission, provided that reasonable advance notification has been received.
Filing deadlines for applications shall be submitted for review by the Town Planner ten days prior to the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting. Other information pertaining to the Commission may be obtained by contacting the Town Planner at (860) 376-7060 extension 111 or his assistant at extension 112.
The Planning and Zoning Commission meets the Second Monday of each month.
Their regular meeting begins at 7:00 p.m.
All public hearings are scheduled before the regular meeting.
The Griswold Planning & Zoning Commission considers public hearings prior to the regular meeting to hear petitioner’s remarks and public comment.
Meetings of the Town of Griswold Planning & Zoning Commission are formal proceedings. All comments are digitally recorded as well as by the Recording Secretary. An agenda is provided for the convenience of the public and Planning & Zoning Commission. The format for each item scheduled for public hearing is as follows:
• Petitioner's remarks
• Questions from Commission members to petitioner
• Staff remarks
• Questions from Commission members to staff
• Public comment
• Public comment closed
• Planning Commission discussion / motion is discussed during the regular meeting.
Each application on the agenda will be heard separately and in the order in which it appears, unless the Commission moves to change the order of the agenda. The applicant or petitioner will have an opportunity to present the request to the Commission and the public. Next, staff will give a brief report on the matter. Public comments will then be taken. Each person desiring to speak will be given an opportunity to make comments. Each speaker should approach the podium and state his or her name and address into the record. If there is a spokesperson representing a group, the spokesperson may present the views of the group and those in agreement with the spokesperson may be recognized by standing. If there are written statements or materials provided by the speaker, that material should be presented for the record to the Chairman of the Planning & Zoning Commission during the public hearing. All presentations, whether they are from the petitioner or the public, should be made in front of the Commission members and not from the audience.
The Town of Griswold and the Borough of Jewett City Zoning Regulations as well as the Griswold Subdivision Regulations are administered by the Griswold Planning & Zoning Commission .
Public Health and Safety Committee
Public Health and Safety Committee
Susan Gunderman
Andrea Dameron
William Czmyr
Paul Lach
James Barnie
John Hogan
Tina Falck
The purpose of Health and Safety Committee is r to assist in the overall effort to achieve and maintain a safe and healthy environment throughout the Town and identify, investigate, make recommendations, and communicate to the Board of Selectmen on matters of safety and health that pertain to the educational and working environment throughout the District.
Recreation Commission
Our Recreation Commission:
Chairman - Carol Mauro
Vice Chairwomen - Darren Drobiak
Jay Rainier
Sonja Fisch
Sarah Seifert
Ken Willey
Erica Bevis - Alternate
Ryan Snide - Alternate
Lionel LaSalle - Alternate
Our Meeting Time:
Third Monday of the month
5:30 pm at Griswold Town Hall
Recycling Committee
Recycling Committee
JOINT REVIEW COMMITTEE 1st Monday – 6:30 – Probate Office
The Recycling Committee meets the quarterly on the first Friday unless otherwise noted.
Their meeting begins at 12:30 p.m.
Water Pollution Control Authority
Water Pollution Control Authority
Regular Meeting held quarterly on the First Tuesday January, April, July and October.
Meetings are held at the Jewett City Department of Public Utilities Office at
9 East Main Street at 7:00 p.m.
Chapter 111 of the General code - Membership term is for 6 years by appointment of the Board of Selectman. Any vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired portion of the term.
Michael Lalima (Chairman)
Philip Belisle (Vice Chairman)
John P. Robella (Secretary)
Clarence Merrill
Mario J. Tristany, Jr.
Zoning Board of Appeals
Zoning Board of Appeals
Theodore A. Faulise (Chairman)
Duane Button
Matthew Picco
Gordon Santerre
William J. Przylucki
Christopher Chastang (Alternate)
Lee Zabbo (Alternate)
Joseph Savino (Alternate)
Zoning Board of Appeals is composed of five members and three alternate members who are elected by the residents of the Town of Griswold The term of office is for full members for four years. Alternate members are elected for a term of 2 years.
The Board authorizes, upon appeal in specific cases, a variance from the terms of the Zoning Regulations as will not be contrary to the public interest when, owing to special conditions, a literal enforcement of the provisions will result in unnecessary hardship
The Zoning Board of Appeals hears and decides appeals from any order, requirement, decision, or determination made by the Zoning Enforcement Officer in the administration or enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance.
The Zoning Board of Appeals meets the First Wednesday of each month.
Their public hearings and meeting begins at 7:00 p.m.
TOWN OF GRISWOLD and BOROUGH OF JEWETT CITY
CONNECTICUT - 06351
EXECUTIVE SESSION (6)
“Executive sessions” means a meeting of a public agency at which the public is excluded for one or more of the following purposes:
(A) Discussion concerning the appointment, employment, performance, evaluation, health or dismissal of a public officer or employee, provided that such individual may require that discussion be held at an open meeting;
(B) Strategy and negotiations with respect to pending claims or pending litigation to which the public agency or a member thereof, because of the member’s conduct as a member of such agency, is a party until such litigation or claim has been finally adjudicated or otherwise settled;
(C) matters concerning security strategy or the deployment of security personnel, or devices affecting public security;
(D) discussion of the selection of a site or the lease, sale or purchase of real estate by the state or a political subdivision of the state when publicity regarding such site, lease, sale, purchase or construction would adversely impact the price of such site, lease, sale, purchase or construction until such time as all of the property has been acquired or all proceedings or transactions concerning same have been terminated or abandoned; and
(E) discussion of any matter which would result in the disclosure of public records or the information contained therein described in subsection (b) of section 1-210.
§ 56-6. RECUSAL
Any official, council or board member should withdraw themselves from any involvement from any matter described in the Code of Ethics as a conflict of interest. Such withdrawal includes, but is not limited to, discussions, either formal or informal, on the matter; as well as appearances at meetings, or portions of meetings, concerning the matter; and voting on the matter (except in a public referendum). In the event of a conflict of interest, the official, council or board member will excuse himself or herself from the meeting room after stating on the record the reason for the recusal and shall remain outside the room until the discussion and/or vote in on the matter discussed is completed (except when voting in a public referendum on the matter).
(Above Section 56-6 Recusal to be added to Chapter 56 Meetings)
ALTERNATE BOARD MEMBERS WHO ARE NOT NEEDED TO SERVE
MAY NOT PARTICIPATE IN DELIBERATIONS IN A MANNER THAT PROFOUNDLY AFFECTS VOTE
LAW OF THE LAND
There is little case law on the use of alternate members of planning and zoning boards, but a recent Connecticut trial court opinion sheds some interesting light on the topic. The Court held that where alternate members of the zoning board sit through a public hearing but are not needed to serve as a member of the board, they should not participate in deliberations, but where this occurs, their participation may not profoundly impact the votes of the legally seated board members. Following the denial of a variance application by the zoning board, the plain tiff raised objections including the fact that an alternate member of the board, whose service as a board member was not needed, attended the hearing and participated in the board's deliberations, violated the state statute that dis cusses membership on the board and the role of alternates. In agreeing with the Plaintiff, the trial court examined Conn. Gen. Stat. 8-5, which, they said, allows for the seating of alternate board members only when a regular board member is absent. Noting that a prior reported decision held that an alternate board member could not participate in the deliberations when service as an alternate was not needed, this Court observed that the earlier opinion never reached the question as to whether an alternate member may sit through a public hearing, instead it concluded that once the board is ready to deliberate, the alternate member(s) must be excused. The Connecticut courts have analogized the use of alternate board members as alternate members of juries, who also may not participate in deliberations unless they have been seated. How ever, Connecticut case law also requires an inquiry, where an unseated alternate did participate in the deliberations, whether that alternate's views had a profound effect on those deliberations. In this case, although the alternate member participated in the deliberations, the Court concluded that overall, her comments "do not appear to echo a sentiment that was inconsistent with the sentiments raised by other board members." Therefore, the Court said that the alternate 's participation did not have a "profound" effect upon the voting members, and that therefore the decision was made by the five voting board members , exclusive of her.
Komondy v Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Chester, 48 Conn. L. Rptr . No. 11, 389 (11/30/3009).