Naming rights amendment fails for lack of second
Board of Selectmen · Meeting of September 24, 2026
Greenwich selectman's motion to overhaul naming rights policy dies for lack of a second. Selectman Rachel Kahn's proposed amendment to the town's naming rights policy failed Thursday after First Selectman Fred Camillo and Selectman Lauren Rabin declined to second it. Camillo said the seven-year-old policy "has worked" and warned against "a solution looking for a problem," while Rabin called the proposal "a hammer in search of a nail." The board separately backed Capt.
Eric Skorka, a 23-year veteran, as the new deputy police chief, and voted 3-0 to waive a second reading and approve a temporary road closure on Old Post Road No. 6 for a drainage project starting October 5. Selectman Lauren Rabin also reported the town's $43 million capital-plan estimate for the Riverside School renovation is likely inadequate, given the $56 million already appropriated for the smaller Old Greenwich School project.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 2,859 words
Source: the Board of Selectmen meeting of September 24, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
The Full Article
Opening and Remembrances
The Board of Selectmen convened in an evening session, its first of 2026, because First Selectman Fred Camillo had a scheduling conflict earlier that day with the Connecticut Metropolitan Council of Governments (CT MetroCOG, referenced in the transcript as "Kerma") and the Western Connecticut Council of Governments ("West Cog"). Before the Pledge of Allegiance, Camillo asked the room to remain standing for a moment of silence honoring Stacey Rowe, a longtime town volunteer who ran an annual Toys for Tots drive with her husband, Ralph, and Dick Chrisky, a former member of the Board of Estimate and Taxation, the Board of Education, multiple building committees, the Tax Appeal Board and the Republican Town Committee. The board then approved minutes from its September 10 regular meeting and its September 15 special meeting; the roll-call audio on both votes was difficult to parse cleanly, but no member raised an objection or requested discussion, and both were treated as routine, non-controversial approvals.
First Selectman's Updates: Storm Prep and the Fall Calendar
Camillo devoted most of his update to an approaching Nor'easter. He said Emergency Operations Director Joe LaSella had been briefing the board and that a statewide emergency-management call was set for 11 a.m. Friday, the same time as a Board of Selectmen special meeting, meaning Camillo would miss it. He said one forecast model showed four to six inches of rain with sustained winds over the weekend, but that officials would wait for more data before deciding whether to alter or cancel weekend events, with an announcement expected Friday afternoon. Those events included the Greenwich Half Marathon (Camillo was slated to be the race starter), the Blessing of the Animals at Round Hill Community Church, the Putting on the Dog fundraiser (at which both Camillo and Rachel Kahn are serving as judges), and a Riverside Association event at Riverside Yacht Club. Camillo also confirmed the Arch Street Task Force's second public hearing, postponed the prior Monday because of Yom Kippur, has not yet been rescheduled. He closed by congratulating Diane Dizey-Chipetta as this year's Columbus Day honoree, a Hamilton Avenue School staff member being feted at the St. Lawrence Club.
Selectman Rabin's Updates: Riverside School Costs and Sustainability
Selectman Lauren Rabin's update carried the meeting's most consequential financial disclosure. Relaying a report also given to the Board of Estimate and Taxation and the Board of Education by their respective liaisons on the Riverside School Building Committee, Rabin said the committee has been meeting weekly through the summer with its architecture firm, and that an existing-conditions assessment found the building's overall structure sound, though accessibility, electrical, HVAC and food-service deficiencies identified during the feasibility process remain. The town's capital plan currently estimates the Riverside renovation at $43 million in fiscal year 2029, a figure based on 2024 data.
"To date, the BET has appropriated $56 million to Old Greenwich School renovation, which includes an addition of 7,000 square feet of building space… it is reasonable to assume that $43 million in the capital plan is inadequate." [00:10:43] — Selectman Lauren Rabin.
Rabin said the Riverside educational specifications, even before accounting for a possible pre-K addition, call for substantially more square footage than the building currently has, and that construction is not expected to begin until the first half of calendar year 2028. She also flagged that the Building Committee has posted an explainer and answers to community safety questions about the ongoing demolition at Central Middle School, in response to calls the board has been fielding. Separately, Rabin said the town's Sustainability Committee met recently and that she is leading outreach to businesses and landscapers to educate residents about non-native plantings. She also disclosed a new Hamill Development Committee, modeled on the public-private partnership structure used for the Civic Center, that will coordinate with the Departments of Parks and Recreation and Public Works; she said the committee does not take votes. Rabin closed by thanking resident Tiago Chavez and Greenwich Cabinets for donating a refurbished podium bearing the town seal.
No formal vote was associated with any portion of this update; it was informational.
Selectman Kahn's Updates: Heritage Month and Weekend Events
Selectman Rachel Kahn marked September as Hispanic Heritage Month, noting the board recently hosted Mexican Independence Day events with Mexico's Deputy Consul General for the Eastern region, and that September 17 marked both Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. Kahn, who was naturalized as a young person, read a quote from former President Ronald Reagan on immigration before describing a conversation the prior day with Connecticut's Secretary of the State about voter engagement and the state's Voter's Guide, available October 1 at myvote.ct.gov. She then previewed weekend events contingent on the storm forecast, including a Great Captains Island coastal cleanup hosted by the Conservation Commission (later announced as postponed) and the Greenwich Audubon Center's annual Hawk Watch.
Old Business: Naming Rights Policy Amendment
Background and stakes: Kahn told the board that as Greenwich pursues more public-private partnerships, she reviewed the town's existing naming rights policy and, after receiving input from two residents, concluded it needed clearer procedures for administering, modifying and terminating naming grants.
The question before the board: whether to formally request drafting of an amendment to the naming rights policy for further review.
Substantive content: Kahn said her goal was to protect the town fiscally and avoid "hidden costs, legal risks or conflicts of interest" in future naming agreements, while preserving Greenwich's ability to accept philanthropic gifts. Camillo, asked to give background on the policy's origin, said he and his colleagues ran in 2019 on a platform embracing public-private partnerships, over the objection of a "former minority member" of the board who worried the town might favor donors' preferences over settled policy or "push people out." He said the current policy, adopted since that campaign, already routes final authority through the Representative Town Meeting, calling the existing safeguards sufficient.
The deliberation: Camillo argued the seven-year track record showed no need for change, invoking a remark he attributed to the late Becky Breed about elected officials' platforms being undermined after the fact by other town bodies. Rabin, while stating her objection was about "style" rather than "substance," said she and Kahn had received no advance notice or dialogue about the proposed changes before they appeared before the board.
"Because it's two people that offered, you know, a lot of input, and there was no dialogue. You know, the three of us are supposed to be colleagues, and we get things after the fact. There's no heads up." — Selectman Lauren Rabin.
A brief, garbled exchange followed over whether both residents who provided feedback had emailed the full board or only some members; Camillo noted one of the two residents had been filing public records requests "on everything" and suggested the effort risked becoming "a solution looking for a problem." Camillo said he remained open to hearing suggestions on any policy but was "not looking to shove" a change through.
Procedural steps and outcome: Kahn moved to request the amendment. Camillo called for a second three times; none of the three members offered one, and the motion failed for lack of a second.
Implications and what is next: The naming rights policy remains unchanged. Kahn's underlying concerns, and the two residents' feedback, were not otherwise addressed on the record, and no new hearing or revision process was scheduled.
New Business: Deputy Police Chief Appointment
Background and stakes: The position of deputy police chief became vacant, prompting an internal competition among three department captains, following the retirement of Deputy Chief Bonnie.
The question before the board: whether to accept Police Chief Heavey's recommendation of a successor.
Substantive content: Chief Heavey recommended Capt. Eric Skorka, a 23-year veteran who commands the department's patrol division, its largest, and also leads the SWAT/special response unit. Heavey noted Skorka is a past recipient of the John Clark Award and recently completed a master's degree in public administration at Western Connecticut State University, calling that initiative a factor that put him "a little bit ahead of the others" among three qualified internal candidates.
The deliberation: Camillo, who attended outgoing Deputy Chief Bonnie's retirement dinner, said sentiment among current and former officers was "pretty much unanimous" in Skorka's favor, praising his work ethic and describing him as a "self-starter" full of ideas. Skorka thanked the board and said he was looking forward to serving "the next generation of officers."
"It's without any reservation that I recommend him for the position of deputy chief." — Police Chief Heavey.
Procedural steps and outcome: No motion, second or roll-call vote was recorded; the board's acceptance of the recommendation was by consensus and acclamation. Chief Heavey also promoted the department's October 17 gala at Riverside Yacht Club marking the department's 130th anniversary, a fundraiser for the Greenwich Police Scholarship Fund, established in 1963 to support the children of active-duty officers; Heavey said eight or nine current officers are past scholarship recipients.
Implications and what is next: Skorka assumes the deputy chief role immediately; the appointment does not require further board action.
New Business: Old Post Road No. 6 Drainage Project and Temporary Road Closure
Background and stakes: Flooding on Valley Road has affected roughly six houses for about a decade, a problem Camillo said predates his time as a state representative. The town has been working with the affected property owners, some of whom work in Town Hall, to design a fix.
The question before the board: whether to approve a temporary road closure for phase one of a three-phase drainage improvement project, and whether to waive the customary second reading given seasonal urgency.
Substantive content: Gabriella Costa-Cohi of the town's engineering staff, presenting in place of project civil engineer J. Alex Marino, who was unable to speak due to a health issue, described a plan to install catch basins at the corner of Valley Road to intercept stormwater runoff before it enters a Connecticut Department of Transportation drainage structure beneath Route 1. The new structure requires a 20-foot excavation and a manhole with a four-foot sump to allow sediment to settle before it moves downstream. A crane will be staged on Route 1 to lower the manhole into place near a medical office building; that driveway will close temporarily, with rear access maintained, and traffic will be routed through an 11-foot construction-zone roadway to preserve the existing U-turn bypass motorists use to reach Interstate 95, since a left turn onto the highway is not permitted at the signal. As work advances toward the intersection, a westbound section of Stanwich Road will close for roughly two weeks, with eastbound traffic and driveway access maintained and detour signs directing drivers via Field Road. The overall project is expected to take about two months; a specially ordered 20-foot manhole delayed the originally planned spring start, and the contractor now has a window beginning October 5.
The deliberation: Costa-Cohi said the town, the contractor and the Greenwich Police traffic section, led by Sean Beatty, met on site to finalize logistics. Camillo urged moving quickly given hurricane season, noting the difficulty of drainage work in wet conditions, and said he would support waiving the second reading. Kahn agreed, citing the businesses' and residents' patience over a "very complicated" decade-long problem.
Procedural steps and outcome: Selectman Rabin moved to approve the road closure; Kahn seconded. The board voted 3-0 (Camillo, Rabin and Kahn all in favor) to approve the closure and to waive the second reading.
Implications and what is next: Work is expected to begin October 5, with the westbound Stanwich Road closure lasting about two weeks within a roughly two-month total project. The town's communications office will publicize updates via the weekly e-blast and social media.
New Business: Harbor Management Commission — Mooring Fees and Regulations
Background and stakes: The Harbor Management Commission sought to update mooring permit fees to encourage timely renewals and to revise mooring regulations so they align with the new fee structure ahead of the 2027 boating season.
The question before the board: whether to approve the fee change now, and how quickly to move it through a second reading and on to the Representative Town Meeting.
Substantive content: Jenny Larkin of the Harbor Management Commission proposed keeping the current $100 mooring permit fee for on-time renewals but raising the fee to $150 for applications completed after the annual deadline. The commission had previously raised the fee from $75 to $100 several years ago. A related but procedurally separate item, a revision to Section 9, Page 7 of the mooring regulations, updates the regulatory language to reflect the commission's authority to charge the new fees; that revision does not require a Board of Selectmen vote and will instead go to a Harbor Management Commission vote at its October or November meeting, following an October 19 public hearing.
The deliberation: Camillo asked whether the fee item was time-sensitive; Larkin said it was not urgent enough to require waiving a second reading, and the board discussed RTM scheduling, noting no early-October or November RTM meeting is planned. Camillo said bringing the fee item back October 6 would allow time for any residents with concerns to weigh in. Camillo and Rabin also credited Harbor Master Paul Cappelli, whom Camillo said has been active in securing grants for dock repairs and dredging.
Procedural steps and outcome: No vote was taken on the fee item Thursday; the board agreed to schedule a second reading for October 6. The mooring regulations revision proceeds independently toward the October 19 public hearing and a subsequent Harbor Management Commission vote, without requiring Board of Selectmen action.
Implications and what is next: Boaters will see the fee decision finalized, if approved on October 6, in time for RTM consideration and implementation for the 2027 mooring season. The October 19 public hearing on the regulations will be held at Town Hall, according to Larkin, though the room had not yet been formally booked as of the meeting.
Committee Appointments
Selectman Rabin moved, and Kahn seconded, the nomination of Kristin Toretta as a regular member of the Old Greenwich School Building Committee; the board approved it 3-0. Rabin then moved, and Kahn seconded, the nomination of John McCaskill as a regular member of the Parks and Recreation Board, position R6, for a term expiring June 30, 2028; the board approved it 3-0. Neither appointment drew discussion.
Adjournment
Before adjourning, Camillo noted that the previously announced Great Captains Island coastal cleanup, part of the weekend calendar discussed earlier, has been postponed and will be rescheduled. Rabin moved to adjourn, Kahn seconded, and the board approved the motion 3-0.
Fred Camillo, First Selectman (Chair) — present, presided over the meeting. Lauren Rabin, Selectman — present, voted on all motions. Rachel Kahn, Selectman — present, voted on all motions. No absences were noted; the board's roster of three fully participated.
Staff and officials in attendance: Police Chief Heavey (surname only given in the transcript), who presented the deputy chief recommendation; a staff member identified only as "Ken," addressed directly by the board on scheduling questions; a person thanked at the meeting's close only as "Barbara," whose role was not stated in the transcript.
Outside parties: Capt. Eric Skorka, the department's recommended deputy chief nominee, who addressed the board directly; Gabriella Costa-Cohi, town engineering staff, presenting the Old Post Road No. 6 drainage project; J. Alex Marino (referred to once as "Jay Marino"), the project's civil engineer, present but unable to speak due to a health issue; Jenny Larkin, representing the Harbor Management Commission, presenting the mooring fee and regulation revisions.
No members of the general public were recorded giving public comment in the portions of the transcript provided.
Riverside School Building Committee — source of the $43 million capital-plan cost concern and the 2028 construction timeline, relayed by Selectman Rabin. Board of Estimate and Taxation (BET) — appropriated $56 million to the Old Greenwich School renovation, cited as a cost baseline for Riverside. Representative Town Meeting (RTM) — final approval authority cited in both the naming rights policy discussion and the mooring fee/regulation process. Greenwich Public Schools Building Committee website — hosts the posted safety explainer on the Central Middle School demolition. Hamill Development Committee — newly formed body coordinating public-private partnership work with Parks and Recreation and Public Works, cited by Rabin as modeled on the Civic Center partnership. Harbor Management Commission — proposed the mooring fee increase from $100 to $150 for late renewals and the related regulations revision, presented by Jenny Larkin. Connecticut Department of Transportation — owns the drainage structure beneath Route 1 into which the Old Post Road No. 6 project will divert stormwater. Greenwich Police Scholarship Fund — established 1963, benefiting from the October 17 police gala marking the department's 130th anniversary. Town of Greenwich naming rights policy (adopted circa 2019) — the subject of Kahn's failed amendment motion. Connecticut Secretary of the State's office — subject of Kahn's account of a conversation on election administration and the Voter's Guide, available October 1 at myvote.ct.gov.