Too busy to look up what’s going on in town? This article covers selected information from the minutes of various Town Boards and Commissions. If you want more details, it can be found by going to suffieldct.gov, Agendas, Minutes, Recordings.
Board of Education – December 15, 2025
Youth Voices Survey Results
• Bonnie Smith and Luke Smith, both of B. Weyland Smith Consulting, LLC, presented the 2025 Youth Voices Survey results.The anonymous survey examined youth lifestyles, mental health, bullying, substance use, and related risk and protective factors, with data analyzed by subgroup.
• Key findings included continued improvement in reported bullying over the past three years, though classroom bullying remains the most prevalent location. Students reported improved levels of stress, worry and anxiety compared to prior survey results. Substance use rates remain relatively low, with peers identified as a significant source of support. The presentation emphasized a particular focus on middle school students, prevention efforts related to substance use, and strategies for teaching students how to access support.
Board of Selectmen Special Meeting – December 15, 2025
Appointment of an alternate member of the Planning & Zoning Commission to fill the remainder of Jeff Girard’s term through November 20, 2027
• First Selectman Moll noted that two volunteers had expressed interest in appointment as an alternate member of the Planning & Zoning Commission: Kevin Keane, who was recommended by the Democratic Town Committee, and Sandra Janik.
• Selectman Hill moved to nominate Kevin Keane as an alternate member of the Planning & Zoning Commission to fill the remainder of Jeff Girard’s term through November 20, 2027.
• Discussion ensued, with Selectman Harrington noting that both submissions were very well written and thoughtful. She expressed her appreciation for the quality of the submissions as well as for both individuals stepping forward to potentially fill the role. First Selectman Moll echoed Selectman Harrington’s comments.
• Vote: 5-0 in favor. Motion passed unanimously.
Appointment of an alternate member to the Ethics Commission to fill the remainder of Dan Vindigni’s term through June 30, 2026
• First Selectman Moll noted that the Democratic Town Committee recommended Michelle Zawawi to fill the role. He commented that he had worked with Ms. Zawawi over the past four years in her role as Assistant Superintendent, during which time he developed a strong working relationship with her and felt that she performed outstandingly in that position.
• First Selectman Moll moved to appoint Michelle Zawawi as an alternate member to the Ethics Commission to fill the remainder of Dan Vindigni’s term through June 30, 2026.
•Vote: 5-0 in favor. Motion passed unanimously.
Economic DevelopmentDecember 18, 2025
Passport Drawing
• The annual Suffield Small Business Saturday Passport promotion ran for a week and had 19 participating businesses. The 50 completed passports were entered into the drawing for gift cards.
• EDC Commissioners gathered and drew three winners from the entries. The video-taped drawing will be posted on the Town website.
Commission Projects Update
• Ms. Demko distributed a spread sheet with a list of Commission projects. Members discussed the status of the projects and directions for proceeding on them.
• Preliminary plans to redesign the entrance to Sunrise Park are in the works. That project may be one that a grant could be applied for.
• There was discussion about the renovations to the Town greens and what the scope might be.
EDC Projects Report
• Mr. Kuzontkoski distributed his written report summarizing the activities in the Light Industrial, Commercial and Town Center Village District zones for the month.
• The Buddhist meditation center Nalandabodhi had a well-attended ribbon cutting ceremony at their new facility at 1380 Mountain Rd.
• The solar array on Mountain Road by the landfill is underway, with the solar company paying leasing fees to the Town.
Police Commission – December 17, 2025
• Officers made 12 arrests between 11/14/25 and 12/11/2025.
• Officers have responded to multiple calls for mental health concerns in the last month. Risk Protection Orders are being completed for most of the emergency committals, which is extremely time consuming. The Social Work Intern is being utilized for follow-up.
Planning and Zoning – December 15, 2025
Report On New Connecticut Housing Bill
• Mr. Hawkins, Director of Planning & Development, distributed a memo he prepared regarding Housing Bill HB 8002. The memo contains an overview of the new municipal responsibilities created under this act.
• The State Office of Policy and Management is expected to issue guidelines on the legislation by March of 2026.
• Some of the regulations will be mandatory and others are optional or can be handled regionally.