#MiddleburyCT #BoardOfSelectmen #November2025
By MARJORIE NEEDHAM
The Middlebury Board of Selectmen met November 3 and 17, 2025, with the earlier meeting focusing on business and the later meeting combining business with a tribute to First Selectman Edward B. St. John, who was leading the meeting for the last time before he headed into his second retirement from the position. He first retired in 2007 but then returned to office and served an additional 13 years.
The tribute to St. John was introduced by Selectman J. Paul Vance Sr., who said St. John’s experience as the town’s director of public works and chief of the Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department prepared him for his long tenure as the town’s first selectman. Vance said, “Ed guided Middlebury with integrity, vision and unwavering commitment to the community. His impact can be seen throughout the town in our infrastructure, public safety and the many people whom he had men-tored along the way. Then Vin Cipriano, Curt Bosco, Brian Shaban, Rita Smith and Vance by turn read through the poem posted at the end of this article.
At the November 3 meeting, the Board accepted Vincent Graziano’s resignation from the Ethics Commission. His term was to expire May 6, 2027.
St. John and Vance also voted to approve the 2026 Board of Selectmen meeting schedule, which had all the meetings set for 4 p.m. Selectwoman Jennifer Mahr asked for a motion to table the matter since a new first selectman would be elected the following day. She said whoever the new first selectman was, they might want to weigh in on the matter. St. John said it’s not a first selectman decision; it is a Board decision. Mahr said the new first selectman may have an opinion on the matter. Vance said changes could be made when the new administration came in, but he didn’t see why they couldn’t approve the dates on November 3. He said all the meetings are on Zoom, so anyone can participate, or they can watch them later. He then made the motion to approve the meeting schedule, St. John seconded it, and they both voted for it while Mahr voted “No.”
On November 3, St. John gave an update on capital projects, including the sidewalk project. Mahr asked for a cost update on the sidewalk project, and St. John said he didn’t have one. He said some of the money appropriated in the referendum vote may be used to supplement costs as they were signing a change order to install brick pavers from North Street to the Greenway, which was not included in the original project.
At the 12-minute November 17 meeting, the Board accepted Erika Carrington’s (R) resignation from the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) for a term that expires May 19, 2027. The Board then appointed current alternate P&Z member Brendan Browne (R) to fill Carrington’s spot and appointed Brian Shaban (R) to fill Browne’s alternate spot.
The Board also re-appointed Assistant Town Clerk Mary Beth Lukowski for the term on December 1, 2025, to December 3, 2029, and added to the agenda and approved the re-appointment of Bradley Ross Bernstein (R) as a constable.
Attorney Dana D’Angelo brought up the previously approved sale of Middlebury Estates property for $21,400 and the need for the matter to go to a town meeting. The Board resolved to move the matter to a town meeting, the date and time to be determined.
The next Board of Selectmen meeting, the first to be led by newly elected First Selectwoman Jennifer Mahr, was held Wednesday, December 3, at 4 p.m. in the Town Hall Conference Room.
Ode to Ed*
From Middlebury’s hills of green and gold,
Rose a quiet leader, steadfast and bold
He began his service in ‘eighty-three,
And stayed for decades, strong and free.
Through every year, he moved ahead,
Kept every promise, every word he said.
A steady journey, a dedicated guide –
With the town’s best interests at his side.
Ed St. John, a leader true,
With vision for tomorrow and respect for what grew.
The Greenway trail, senior homes standing tall,
Three bright new parks shared by all.
Two safety buildings, sturdy and refined,
Grounds kept perfect – each detail aligned.
Fiscal discipline, tax rates held straight –
He shaped our future, sealed our fate.
Seventeen terms – what a noble run,
Sworn in again till the hard work was done.
He called it an honor, the greatest of his life,
Steering through calm and moments of strife.
Strong schools, safe roads, finances sound –
Community pride built all around.
In twenty-twenty-five he passed the light on,
But the spirit he nurtured forever lives on.
Through every year, he moved ahead,
Kept every promise, every word he said.
A steady journey, a dedicated guide¬
With the town’s best interests at his side.
Yes, Middlebury’s future stands strong and straight –
A legacy built, a town in good state.
Thank you, Ed, for all you’ve done –
For battles fought and victories won.
Middlebury, Connecticut – brave and bright –
Honors you proudly here tonight.
Well done, First Selectman.
Well done.
*Presented at the November 17, 2025, Board of Selectmen meeting.
