New Milford Council Reviews Vape Shop Ordinance, Approves Fire Department Grant And Donations

NEW MILFORD, CT — The New Milford Town Council discussed a proposed licensing ordinance for vape shops Nov. 9, including inspections, licensing fees and possible restrictions near schools, but took no vote on the proposal.

The council also unanimously accepted a $7,300 grant for fire station equipment, approved several community donations and appointed two members to the town's Bee City subcommittee.

Vape Shop Licensing Ordinance Under Review

Mayor Pete Bass told council members that Town Attorney Matthew DiBella had requested feedback on a proposed ordinance establishing licensing requirements for vape shops.

Town Attorney Joseph Mortelliti said Danbury has a vape shop ordinance that could serve as a reference for New Milford.

Bass said he had spoken with the regional health director, who supported the proposed ordinance.

Council member Ari Rosenberg asked whether additional funding would be needed to enforce the regulations.

Bass said licensing fees would cover inspection costs.

Council member Diane Klaif asked whether the ordinance would permit unannounced inspections.

Youth Agency representative Jason O'Connor said it would be preferable to establish relationships with shop owners and explain that compliance checks would be conducted.

Rosenberg also asked about signage restrictions and whether the town could limit the number of vape shops.

Mortelliti said the proposed ordinance includes signage requirements but cautioned against imposing an arbitrary limit on the number of businesses.

Rosenberg asked whether restrictions could be established based on proximity to schools.

Mortelliti said the ordinance should be written broadly enough to avoid creating legal problems, while O'Connor noted that other municipalities have adopted distance restrictions.

Bass asked Mortelliti to obtain Danbury's ordinance for distribution to the council.

Municipal Citation Ordinance Draws Opposition

The council also briefly discussed a proposed municipal citation ordinance.

Bass said the deadline for providing feedback to DiBella had passed without responses from council members.

Rosenberg said he opposed the ordinance and would not support it.

Klaif said she had comments that she would forward to the town attorney.

Council Accepts $7,300 Fire Department Grant

The council unanimously approved acceptance of a $7,300 grant from the Harcourt Foundation for Water Witch Hose Company No. 2.

The grant will pay for wiring, speakers and related components for a notification system at the Lanesville Substation.

Because the building is owned by the town, council approval was required to accept the grant and authorize installation.

Water Witch Hose Company No. 2 will assume responsibility for maintaining, repairing and eventually replacing the system, with no future financial obligation assigned to the town.

Council member Katy Francis moved to accept the grant, with Roland Castro seconding.

The motion passed unanimously.

Two Members Appointed To Bee City Subcommittee

The council unanimously appointed James Dugan and Melanie Martin to the Bee City subcommittee of the Economic Development Commission.

Both appointments run from Nov. 9, 2026, through Jan. 31, 2028.

Redwood Lane resident Dugan told council members he has lived in New Milford for 25 years and has attended Bee City meetings.

Martin, of Glen Ridge Court, described herself as a lifelong resident and environmentalist.

Francis moved to approve the appointments, with Maryjane Lundgren seconding.

The motion passed unanimously.

Donations Approved For Parks, Library And Community Events

The council unanimously approved several donations supporting town programs and community facilities.

The New Milford Public Library received a $100 donation from Nancy Hawkins Brittingham for materials and programming.

Union Savings Bank donated $1,000 toward the town's annual Halloween on the Green event.

The council also accepted $600 raised through passport book sales during The Weekend in Life event.

Parks and Recreation received a $100 donation from Chef Rody, Rody Near, for the Trunk or Treat event.

Another donation, totaling $1,800, came from the New Milford Area Fire Chiefs Association to purchase a tree and plaque for the Town Green in memory of David Lathrop.

Bass said the new tree would replace one that had already been removed.

The council also accepted a Christmas tree donated by Kent Road residents Christopher and Mrs. Prause to be placed outside the front entrance of Town Hall during the holiday season.

All donation motions passed unanimously.

Mayor Reports On Road And Bridge Projects

Bass updated council members on several infrastructure projects.

He said Brookside Bridge would reopen soon and that work was continuing on Merryall Road.

Painting of Lovers Leap Bridge has been completed, while the Walker Brook Road bridges are in final design.

The town is reviewing bids for a traffic signal at the Hine Hill Road-Grove Street intersection.

Construction on Wellsville Avenue is awaiting additional easements.

Bass also reported that New Milford was reapplying for a Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program grant for the Old Boardman Road bridge.

Engineering work for pickleball courts and a pedal park at the John Pettibone Community Center is underway.

Bass said Aquarion Water had been paving roads from shoulder to shoulder following water pipe work completed during the summer.

Domestic Violence Statistics Reported

Bass discussed domestic violence awareness and reported police statistics showing 164 domestic violence cases in 2024, 140 in 2025 and 89 so far in 2026.

During public participation, resident Adrienne Bigelow-Kerns spoke about Domestic Violence Awareness Month and read a passage from Patrick Stewart's memoir describing domestic violence in his childhood home.

She also discussed the absentee ballot process and thanked volunteers who participated in Operation Thanksgiving.

Hospital Investment, Community Projects Discussed

Bass reported speaking with Dr. Koobatian of Northwell Health about continued investment in New Milford Hospital.

He also said the town hopes to create a Be Kind mural at the John Pettibone Community Center and has received a matching grant for the project.

Donations are being accepted to support the mural.

Bass congratulated the New Milford High School band and color guard for receiving a silver award at the 2026 US Bands Group competition and Schaghticoke Middle School's soccer team for an undefeated season.

He also recognized Bob Reiling and the Ostomy Foundation following a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the organization's new headquarters.

Bass thanked the Women's Club and United Way for organizing Operation Thanksgiving and reported that the Flags of Valor display had returned to the north end of the Town Green with support from Kiwanis and the Kiwanis High School Key Club.

The mayor also presented a proclamation to the Roger Sherman Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Council Approves Tax Refunds And Previous Minutes

The council unanimously approved $7,651.52 in tax refunds dated Nov. 9.

It also approved the minutes of its Oct. 26 meeting.

Francis moved to approve both consent agenda items, with Paul Murphy seconding.

The motion passed unanimously.

Meeting Details

The council met Nov. 9, with Bass calling the meeting to order at 7 p.m.

Members present were Murphy, Francis, Rosenberg, Castro, Klaif, Lundgren, Zach Polley and Tom Esposito, who joined by telephone at 7:04 p.m.

Sal Rynkiewicz was absent.

The meeting adjourned at 7:39 p.m. following a unanimous vote on a motion by Francis, seconded by Klaif.