The Farmington Town Council’s November 10, 2025, meeting began at 7:00 p.m. with Scouts leading the Pledge of Allegiance and quickly moved into a mix of celebration, fiscal tension, and the slow, methodical work of local government. The full proceedings are available via the town’s recording of the meeting here: Farmington Town Council Nov. 10, 2025 Meeting. 🇺🇸
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Two Eagle Scouts, Two Local Legacies
The evening opened with formal proclamations for two Eagle Scouts from Troop 170, Scouts BSA.
First, the council recognized Devion Bordlois, whose project built a Gaga Ball game pit at East Farms Elementary School. The pit was designed with safety and accessibility in mind: rubber flooring, wall bumpers to reduce risk of injury, and an ADA-accessible door. The proclamation noted that Devion’s planning and design work focused on safety, accessibility, and durability, with the goal of serving children of different ages and abilities in an inclusive play space.
Devion has lived in Farmington for most of his life and is currently a junior at Avon High School. He served as lead programmer on the school’s robotics team, which took first place in local and statewide competitions and ranked 18th at a world competition. He holds a black belt in Taekwondo, participated in the Junior Achievement stock market challenge, plays guitar, piano, and violin, and is currently learning eight languages.
In recognition of his project and service, the Town Council proclaimed November 10, 2025 as “Devion Bordlois Day” in Farmington, Connecticut, with the proclamation signed by Council Chair Joe Cappa de Faro.
State Representative Mike D’Amico then joined the council to present an official Connecticut General Assembly citation to Devion. Introduced by Representative D’Amico, Representative Rebecca Martinez, Senator Derek Slapp, and Senator Rick Lopes, the citation acknowledged Devion’s elevation to Eagle Scout, “the highest achievement in scouting,” and commended his dedication and perseverance. It was issued on November 10, 2025 at the State Capitol in Hartford and signed by Martin Looney (President of the State Senate), Matthew Ritter (Speaker of the House of Representatives), and Stephanie Thomas (Secretary of the State).
The second Eagle Scout proclamation honored Andrew Tabel, also of Troop 170. Andrew’s project built directly on his family’s history. In 1987, his father completed his own Eagle project by establishing the Lieutenant Vincent Hugh Core World War II Plane Crash Memorial in the Farmington Town Memorial Forest.
While flying a P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft, Lieutenant Core lost his life during a 1945 training mission. The crash site lies within the town’s memorial forest. Andrew’s Eagle project enhanced that memorial:
- Constructed a professional informational kiosk explaining the events of the crash.
- Revitalized the existing memorial.
- Built approximately a half-mile of trail leading to the site.
- Coordinated over 30 volunteers, who contributed more than 360 hours of work.
Andrew attends Farmington High School and is a trumpet player, like his father. He plays with the Farmington High School jazz band, the wind ensemble, the Valley Community Baptist Church Orchestra, and participates in Taps Across America. He also works as a lifeguard and swim instructor at YMCA Chase and has volunteered and fundraised for a range of causes.
For his efforts, the council proclaimed November 12 as “Andrew Tabel Day” in Farmington, Connecticut, with the proclamation dated November 10, 2025 and signed by Chair Joe Cappa de Faro.
Representative D’Amico returned to the podium to present Andrew with a Connecticut General Assembly citation mirroring Devion’s: recognition for achieving Eagle Scout, commendation for service to the community, and hopes for continued success, again signed by Looney, Ritter, and Thomas and dated November 10, 2025 at the State Capitol. 🎺
Veterans Day Proclamation and a Reminder of Service
The council then turned to a Veterans Day proclamation, read into the record.
The proclamation traced the path from Revolutionary-era militias through today’s defense structure, noting that American service members have defended the country in times of challenge, earned honor abroad, and provided a foundation for security, growth, and prosperity.
It emphasized that despite the pressures of wartime, the armed forces have defended the country with conviction and courage; that other nations have looked to the United States for leadership; and that allies have relied on a country unwilling to compromise its core beliefs.
The proclamation recounted:
- The enduring debt of gratitude owed to veterans.
- President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s act establishing the observance of Veterans Day on November 11 each year.
- The 1921 designation of the date as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I.
- The 1954 change broadening the observance to honor veterans from all foreign conflicts.
It also thanked Connecticut residents serving in the National Guard and those in the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force.
The Farmington Town Council formally thanked all veterans for their contributions and accomplishments, in a proclamation dated November 10, 2025 and signed by Chair Joe Cappa de Faro.
The chair reminded those present that Veterans Day ceremonies would be held outside Town Hall on November 11 at 11:00 a.m. and offered personal thanks to all veterans, including his father-in-law Lenny Reynoldini, a Marine veteran of the Vietnam conflict.
Public Comment: A $2 Million Question on School Enrollment
Only one resident stepped to the microphone during public comment, but he brought a sharp, detailed concern.
Tim Kelly of 62 Westfield addressed what he described as a serious budget issue tied to school enrollment projections. He urged council members to revisit the March 12 budget meeting with the school district, specifically the first five minutes of that meeting’s video.
Kelly said that for the current school year, a new consultant projected 4,100 students in Farmington Public Schools. That figure was, according to Kelly, significantly higher than projections from the district’s usual consultant and from the district’s in-house “push up report.”
He reminded the council that, even at the time, it had been noted that the same consultant had overestimated enrollment in a neighboring district the year before. Despite that, school leadership insisted the 4,100 figure was needed for funding—and the town granted it.
Actual enrollment, Kelly said, came in at 4,000 students. With Farmington funding education at roughly $20,000 per student, he argued that the mismatch amounted to $2 million in overfunding. As one immediate example, he pointed to the district’s own statement that it did not need to hire three kindergarten teachers this September, given actual enrollment—savings that he estimated at around $500,000 when staffing and classroom costs are included.
Kelly urged the council to:
- “Claw back” up to $2 million from the school budget to the town’s general fund, or at minimum $1 million if mid-year adjustments felt too severe.
- Require a mid-cycle budget review by “responsible folks” from the school side, explaining how the excess money is being spent or held.
He anticipated possible counter-arguments:
- Increased special education needs: Kelly noted that the council already approved a significant increase in special services funding in March, and that more than $300,000 in special needs funding went unused last year and rolled into this year’s budget.
- Concerns about potential loss of federal funding: he argued any loss would likely be partial and reminded the council that Farmington receives very little federal academic funding, roughly 1% of total school spending, by his estimate.
Kelly linked the issue to broader town needs, pointing out that:
- $1 million can fund about two miles of asphalt.
- A state-of-the-art fire truck can cost over $1 million.
- The town pension fund, which covers many school employees, is significantly underfunded.
- Farmington has over 1,400 SNAP recipients, many likely children.
He closed by urging the council to reset and recover funding for this fiscal year so it can be redirected to other priorities. 💸
Council members listened but did not engage in extended debate at this point in the meeting.
Minutes Approved and No Online Comment
After waiting a brief moment to confirm there were no online comments—none appeared—the council closed public comment.
Members then approved minutes from two prior regular meetings:
- October 14, 2025 regular Town Council meeting.
- October 28, 2025 regular Town Council meeting.
Both sets of minutes were approved by motion and second with no recorded opposition.
Committee Reports: Buildings, Fire Stations, Sidewalks, High School
The council moved through a series of committee reports, each one updating slow but important work.
1920 Building Committee
The 1920 Building Committee reported that work on the historic building is proceeding “from top to bottom,” from the dome and roof down to the ground floor. Brick for exterior work is expected within “a couple weeks,” after which installation will begin.
Town staff plan to coordinate tours for council members before the end of the year, so they can see the progress firsthand.
At Hog Fire Station Committee
The At Hog Fire Station Committee last met on October 24, 2025 with Gus Nardi of SPNA Architects.
Committee members said they needed more time with the architect to review the latest drawings and had added “a few more new considerations.” They are waiting for Nardi to respond and schedule the next meeting.
One member described the effort as being at a “critical point” in making a final recommendation under the committee’s charge, with questions still outstanding about Tunksis Hose and related operations—issues that Chris is helping address before the committee finalizes its report.
Sidewalk Committee
The Sidewalk Committee had no new news since the last report.
However, member Brian and his colleague on the council plan to meet right after the council session to set the next committee meeting date. They expect to have a more substantial update at the next council meeting. 🚶♀️
High School Building Committee
The High School Building Committee had nothing new to report since its last update.
Its next meeting is scheduled for November 19 at 5:00 p.m.
Chair’s Report: Election Turnout and the Marine Corps Birthday
In his report, Chair Joe Cappa de Faro opened with the November 5 election results, noting that 41% of eligible voters turned out. He added a familiar civics reminder: if you did not vote, your standing to be upset afterward is limited.
He congratulated all winners in the election.
The chair then marked the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps, noting the date and offering thanks to Marines past and present, with special mention of his father-in-law, Lenny Reynoldini, who served as a Marine in the Vietnam conflict.
Looking ahead to Veterans Day on November 11, he reminded residents of the 11:00 a.m. ceremony outside Town Hall and again extended thanks to all veterans for their service.
Board of Education: Assessments, Enrollment, and a New Superintendent
The council’s liaison to the Board of Education reported on two recent Board meetings:
- A regular meeting on October 21, 2025.
- A special meeting on October 27, 2025.
Key points:
- Student assessment results indicate that Farmington continues to perform well against its benchmark goals, with continued growth noted.
- Special education remains a major driver of budget costs.
- The Board highlighted that it did not need to hire three kindergarten teachers this year due to actual enrollment—an echo of Tim Kelly’s concerns during public comment.
- The liaison recalled (with the caveat “don’t quote me”) that the Board is likely to forego the outside enrollment consultant next year, given recent experience, though that has not been formally resolved.
At the special October 27 meeting, the Board announced the hiring of a new superintendent: Just Janini, currently an assistant superintendent in Avon.
- His first official day in Farmington will be January 5, 2026.
- As his schedule allows, he will spend time in the Farmington schools before that date, shadowing Kathy and learning the system.
The next Board of Education meeting is scheduled for November 17 at Farmington High School.
Conservation & Inland Wetlands: Routine Work and Country Club Drainage
The Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission last met on November 5.
The report to council described the agenda as mostly routine applications and approvals—home additions, driveways, parking lots, and similar projects.
The commission also received updates on Tunksis Country Club, where recent work has focused on:
- Stormwater management.
- Clearing clogged drainage swales.
- Removing or managing overhanging trees.
The commission held officer elections with no changes:
- Chair: Ned Stachin
- Vice Chair: Robert Eisner
- Secretary: Dave Fox
The commission’s next meeting is scheduled for December 3, to be held via Zoom.
Economic Development Commission and TPZ: Breakfasts and Parking Rules
The Economic Development Commission (EDC) last met on Wednesday, October 15. The report to council was brief, but two upcoming events were highlighted:
- An EDC breakfast meeting this Wednesday.
- The next regular EDC meeting at 5:30 p.m. the same day.
On the planning side, the Town Plan and Zoning Commission (TPZ) last met on Monday, October 27, 2025.
The council liaison focused on a public hearing that has now been continued and will resume at the next TPZ meeting on Wednesday, November 12. The hearing concerns a text amendment affecting several sections of Farmington’s zoning regulations, including:
- Article 1, Section 9 – Definitions
- Article 2, Section 1 – Residential R-80, R-40, R-30 zones, permitted uses
- Article 4, Section 8 – Off-street parking standards
- Section 8A – Parking on residential properties, commercial vehicle parking
- Associated edits to Section 8B and Section 13
In plain language, the amendment focuses on parking rules in residential zones, especially around commercial vehicles and how parking is handled and framed in the regulations.
Residents were encouraged to review the details on the town website and attend the November 12 TPZ meeting if they wish to comment. 🚗
Town Manager’s Report: AAA Rating, Bonds, and the Tinty Barn
Town Manager Kathy presented her written report.
She reminded the council and public about the Veterans Day ceremony at 11:00 a.m. on November 11 at Town Hall.
She then announced that Moody’s Investors Service has reaffirmed the Town of Farmington’s AAA bond rating, the highest rating a municipality can obtain. Council members thanked Finance Director Joe and his staff for the work that supported this result.
The manager also summarized the town’s recent bond sale:
- A $22,500,000 bond issue of 2025.
- The town was “pleased with the results,” which should support ongoing capital projects.
(For the record: a high rating and successful sale are good news for borrowing costs, but this is information, not advice—if your retirement plan involves municipal bonds and a dartboard, please talk to an actual financial professional, not your friendly neighborhood hyper-local reporter. ☕️)
Kathy also updated the council on the Tinty Barn project, noting that work appears to be moving along well, with visible progress on site—even on a recent Saturday.
Finally, she reminded council members that prior to the next regular meeting on December 9, there will be a reception from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Town Hall pavilion to honor outgoing members of the Farmington Town Council.
The council formally accepted the Town Manager’s report by motion and vote.
Appointments: Human Relations and Historic Unionville
The council then moved to appointments.
- Human Relations Commission:
- Motion to appoint Barbara Sack to the Human Relations Commission for the balance of a two-year term, beginning immediately and ending June 30, 2026.
- The motion carried with no opposition noted.
- Unionville Historic Commission (Alternate):
- Motion to appoint Christine Pettit as an alternate to the Unionville Historic Commission, filling a vacancy for a three-year term, beginning immediately and ending September 30, 2028.
- The motion passed without opposition.
New Business: 2026 Meeting Calendar and Tax Refunds
Under new business, the council took up two items.
1. 2026 Town Council Meeting Schedule
The council considered the 2026 Town Council meeting schedule, which follows the typical pattern of regular meetings, includes second monthly meetings, and adds several extra dates for budget workshops and related sessions.
One detail drew attention: three meetings in January appeared on the draft calendar. The Town Manager explained that in years with a new council, it is often useful to hold an additional January meeting to cover introductory topics, review the strategic plan, and begin deeper budget discussions.
Historically, that third meeting has often been treated as a special meeting rather than a regular one. A council member expressed a preference to keep it that way to maintain consistency with rules of procedure.
The council agreed to remove the January 20 meeting from the regular schedule and handle any extra January session as a special meeting, scheduled later if needed.
With that adjustment noted, the council approved the 2026 meeting schedule.
2. Property Tax Refunds
Next came the routine item on property tax refunds. A motion was made to approve the attached list of refunds.
When asked, Tax Collector Joe once again confirmed that the town is “still drawing a zero”—no new refunds to issue. The council approved the refund item with no opposition.
No Old Business, No Executive Session, Just Scouts with Questions
There was no old business on the agenda and no executive session requested.
As the meeting wrapped up, the chair thanked everyone for attending, including a Scout class in the audience, who were invited to ask more questions about government after adjournment.
A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the November 10, 2025 Town Council meeting, and the council voted in favor.
Meeting over, homework assigned, democracy still grinding along—one Eagle Scout project, Veterans Day proclamation, bond sale, and budget dispute at a time. ☕️📜
About the Author
Jack Beckett is the senior writer for The Farmington Mercury, which means he spends weeknights chasing meeting agendas so you don’t have to, armed with a notebook, a lukewarm coffee, and a deep respect for anyone who can sit through a four-hour budget workshop without checking the score on their phone. When numbers get blurry, he assumes it’s either the line-item total or the espresso shot count.
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This article, “Farmington Council Honors Eagle Scouts, Thanks Veterans, and Faces School Budget Questions,” by Jack Beckett is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0.
“Farmington Council Honors Eagle Scouts, Thanks Veterans, and Faces School Budget Questions”
by Jack Beckett, The Farmington Mercury (CC BY-ND 4.0)
