5 Things To Know In Branford: Teachers' Contract, Senior Tax Freeze At RTM, School Board, Dog Leash Proposal

BRANFORD, CT — The Representative Town Meeting takes up a new three-year teachers' contract, a proposed senior property tax freeze and land transfers to the Branford Land Trust Wednesday, and the Board of Education meets the same night.

Here are five things to know about life around Branford this week:

1. RTM Weighs Teachers' Contract, Senior Tax Freeze, Land Trust Transfers
When: Wednesday, Nov. 18, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Branford Fire Headquarters, 45 N. Main St.
What to know: The RTM's agenda includes approving a new three-year teachers' contract beginning July 1, 2027, between the Board of Education and the Branford Education Association; transferring three tax-foreclosed properties, two on Sunset Beach Road and one on East Main Street, to the Branford Land Trust; and proposed ordinances for a senior property tax freeze, limits on the town's use of certain pesticides and enforcement of delinquent taxes and charges, according to the legal call. Members also consider making Jefferson Place a town road and moving $87,000 from contingency for the second phase of a copier and printer replacement project. The town calendar notes the RTM has moved to fire headquarters for this and future meetings; the meeting airs on BCTV (Comcast Channel 20) and Facebook Live. The RTM Rules and Ordinances Committee reviews the same ordinances Tuesday at 7 p.m., and the Board of Selectmen meets at fire headquarters Wednesday at 6 p.m.
More information here.

2. Board Of Education Meets
When: Wednesday, Nov. 18, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Walsh Intermediate School, 185 Damascus Road
What to know: The Board of Education holds its regular monthly meeting, according to the town calendar. The board's Communication Committee meeting set for the same day was canceled.
More information here.

3. Recreation Board Takes Up Dog Leash Proposal
When: Wednesday, Nov. 18, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Joe Trapasso Community House, 46 Church St.
What to know: The Board of Recreation's agenda includes a dog leash proposal, an Eagle Scout presentation, election of a chairman and clerk and the 2027 meeting schedule, according to the agenda. The director's report covers facilities and project updates, senior services and the budget. Public comment is limited to agenda items and new business within the board's purview.
More information here.

4. Planning And Zoning Hearing On Tyler Road Rebuild
When: Thursday, Nov. 19, 7 p.m.
Where: Online (remote meeting); subject property: 5 Tyler Road
What to know: The Planning and Zoning Commission holds a public hearing on application PZ-26-54, a special exception and coastal site plan to demolish and rebuild a single-family home at 5 Tyler Road, according to the commission's legal notice. The hearing is by remote technology, and participation details will be on the agenda posted at least 24 hours before the meeting, according to the notice.
More information here.

5. Clean Energy Committee Reviews Miyawaki Forest, Thermal Energy Network
When: Monday, Nov. 16, 4 p.m.
Where: Joe Trapasso Community House, 46 Church St.
What to know: The Clean Energy Ad Hoc Committee's agenda includes updates on a Miyawaki forest, the Nov. 14 Clean Energy Symposium, HeatSmart, a thermal energy network, student representatives to the committee and energy projects at the police station, animal shelter and Ecology Park, according to the agenda. Members also get a legislative update.
More information here.