BOS shifts charter revision timeline to 2027 and approves consultant for Town Hall restructuring

The Woodbridge Board of Selectmen (BOS) met Wednesday, February 11, in a hybrid format, with First Selectman Mica Cardozo and other members participating virtually while the meeting was conducted from Town Hall’s Central Meeting Room and live-streamed on WGATV. The evening’s agenda ranged from litigation strategy and charter revision to administrative restructuring and infrastructure funding. Several agenda items included substantive back-and-forth among members, and two votes were not unanimous — including one that fell along party lines.

At the start of the meeting, after opening remarks from First Selectman Mica Cardozo, the Board considered the nomination of a Deputy First Selectman. Selectman Steve Munno was nominated, and discussion touched on continuity of leadership and internal communication expectations among members early in the term. The motion passed 5–1, with Selectman Andrea Urbano voting against.

Executive session on Open Communities litigation

The Board turned next to a motion to enter into executive session jointly with the Town Plan and Zoning Commission to discuss litigation strategy in the Open Communities Trust case. No public vote followed the closed session. The case remains active in Hartford Superior Court and continues to intersect with broader housing and land-use discussions in town.

Upon returning to public session, the Board heard public comments from two individuals. 

The Board then voted to officially dissolve the Ad-Hoc 2030 Task Force, concluding that its charge had been fulfilled. Members briefly discussed whether long-range planning concepts should transition into standing committees or administrative review.

Charter Revision timeline and target date of vote clarified

The Board voted unanimously to formally set January 29, 2027 as the deadline for submission of the Charter Revision Commission’s draft report. The Commission’s first meeting is scheduled for February 17, 2026. The selected draft date allows for a subsequent required public hearing within 45 days after that, and positions any proposed revisions for placement on the November 2027 municipal election ballot. This represents a shift from earlier public discussion that had contemplated a possible November 2026 ballot.

During discussion, Town Counsel clarified that charter revisions must be approved by voters at an election under Connecticut General Statutes. The Board also discussed its formal recommendations and charge to the Commission. While the Commission is not limited strictly to those items, it must respond directly to each recommendation transmitted by the Board. The substance of those instructions is expected to shape the scope of review.

Old Firehouse Community & Cultural Center update

Sandy Stein, a member of the Community & Cultural Center Building Committee, provided an update on current programming, facility use, and ongoing operational needs. While no formal action was taken, Board members asked questions about scheduling, long-term maintenance considerations, and how the Center fits into the town’s broader facilities planning and budget discussions. The presentation was informational in tone, but it reflected continued attention to the Center’s sustainability and integration within overall municipal operations.

Administrative reorganization consultant vote divides Board

A significant portion of the meeting focused on proposed reorganization of Town Hall administrative offices. The next step presented by Cardozo was engagement of an outside consultant to assist in the effort.

Selectman Amey Marrella said she was hearing about the consultant engagement for the first time that evening and requested additional time to review the proposal. She indicated she might be persuaded to support it with more time for consideration. Selectman Andrea Urbano echoed concerns about timing.

The Board proceeded to a vote and the motion to move forward with engaging a consultant passed on party lines with Marrella and Urbano opposed.

Finance report and consent agenda

Administrative Officer and Director of Finance Tony Genovese presented the monthly financial report. The Board then approved a resolution related to a Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) Round 2 state grant, which supports improvements at the town’s Transfer Station.

As part of the Consent Agenda, the Board approved meeting minutes, tax refunds, a Town property use request for Earth Day 2026, and acknowledged resignations from the Economic Development and Human Services commissions.

Appointments to fill Economic Development Commission

The Board then moved to fill vacancies, appointing Bob Hill, a former long-serving member of the Recreation Commission, to a four-year term on the EDC expiring in December 2029. During discussion, members clarified that the seat had previously been held by Steve Francis. The Board also appointed Terri Schatz to fill the remainder of the term resigned by Brian Marazzi, expiring in December 2027. During discussion, members referenced Schatz’s service on the now disbanded Ad-Hoc 2030 Task Force, and her current role on the Ethics Commission. She also served as an elected member of the Board of Selectmen from 2017 to 2019. Both appointments were approved unanimously.

The Economic Development Commission advises the Board of Selectmen on matters affecting the town’s commercial tax base, business retention, redevelopment strategy, and potential opportunities along Woodbridge’s limited commercial corridors. With Woodbridge deriving the vast majority of its revenue from residential property taxes, the Commission’s work carries long-term fiscal implications. EDC recommendations can influence zoning discussions, infrastructure planning, and policy approaches aimed at strengthening or diversifying the town’s commercial base. The appointments of Hill and Schatz come at a time when the town continues to weigh questions about economic growth, land use, and fiscal sustainability — making the composition and experience of the Commission particularly relevant.

Looking ahead

With the Charter Revision Commission scheduled to begin meeting in February and a draft deadline set for next January, the town now has a defined timeline for potential charter changes to reach voters by November 2027. Administrative restructuring and budget deliberations are expected to remain active topics in upcoming meetings. The BOS will meet to discuss its budget recommendations on Tuesday, February 17 starting at 5 p.m.

Meeting notices for all BOS meetings appear in advance on the town website’s Agenda Center page. BOS meetings are open to the public and streamed live on the Town’s YouTube channel, WGATV79. Click below to watch the full recording of the February 11, 2026 meeting.