By Anne White
The Greenwich Representative Town Meeting (RTM) gathered March 10 at Central Middle School and via Zoom, opening with a tribute to longtime member Robert J. McKnight, Jr., before shifting into tense debates over police and town labor contracts. The meeting also saw scrutiny over a solar energy agreement that raised concerns about indemnification clauses.
A Soldier, a Public Servant, a Straight Shooter
Before the RTM turned to its agenda, Moderator Alex is Voulgaris addressed the chamber. “Bob was a dear friend of mine and someone who I often would turn to when I wanted an honest, unfussy opinion about an issue,” she said. “He was as no-nonsense and as straight-shooting as they came.”
McKnight, who served on the RTM for nearly 30 years, was known for his unwavering dedication to Greenwich and his deep military record. Seated in the audience were his longtime partner, Angie Riki, his niece, Tuesday Tambori, and other family members.
District 4’s Lucy von Brachel stepped forward with an emotional eulogy. “Bob was a straight-shooter, humble, dedicated, loyal, and kind,” she said. “He was patriotic, honorable, and generous—a stand-up guy.”
Von Brachel detailed his military service, recounting that McKnight had been awarded two Purple Hearts, five Bronze Stars, a Silver Star, three Air Medals, and two Army Commendations. But McKnight, she noted, never boasted about his accolades. “When asked, Bob would simply say he ‘served his country’ and always made a point to honor all veterans,” she said.
Former Byram Neighborhood Association Chair Joseph Kantorski, speaking on behalf of past and present Byram leaders, described McKnight as “principled, honest, and deeply committed.” He noted McKnight’s efforts to preserve the Thomas Lyon House, as well as his role in the formation of the Greenwich Preservation Trust.
Appointments Committee Vice Chairman Frederick Lee reminded members of McKnight’s work in shaping the RTM itself. “For three decades of showing up, speaking up, and always putting Greenwich first,” he said. “Your legacy in this body will continue to inspire all of us fortunate enough to serve alongside you.”
A moment of silence followed.
Labor Contracts:
The RTM then turned to two labor contracts that had already passed committee scrutiny.
Michael Mason, the Town Labor Negotiator, presented the first contract, covering the Silver Shield Association, which represents Greenwich’s police officers. Finance Committee Chair Greg Zorthian presented the case for the contract, emphasizing that Greenwich had secured an unusually low wage increase. “No other police contract in Connecticut has a wage increase under 3% per year, and we secured that,” he said. A vote of 164-6 approved the funding for the contract.
Budget Overview Committee Chair James Waters dismissed the idea that rejecting the contract would lead to better terms. “There was a strong belief that if this went to arbitration, the town would end up with a worse outcome,” he said.
A similar debate followed the GMEA contract discussion, which adjusted dispatcher salaries to address hiring shortages.
“There are 15 positions, but only 11 are filled,” Brown told the RTM. “That means a lot of overtime because we have to have people in those seats.”
The restructured pay scale eliminated four lower pay steps, effectively raising starting salaries. Waters framed the change as necessary: “This contract makes it more attractive to hire and retain dispatchers.”
A vote of 167-3 approved funding for the contract.
Solar Agreement: A Financial Win or a Legal Risk?
The RTM’s final debate centered on a power purchase agreement with Greenskies LLC, allowing the company to install solar panels at the Cohen Eastern Greenwich Civic Center. The agreement required Greenwich to indemnify Greenskies under certain conditions, which drew scrutiny from the Legal and Policy Committee.
Public Works Committee Chair Cheryl Moss argued that the financial benefits outweighed the risks. “The insurance policy to cover the indemnification clause costs only $3,000 a year, so we come out ahead,” she said.
Legal and Policy Committee Chair Jane Weissbecker wasn’t convinced. “The contract appears to have mutual indemnification for breach of contract, which is unusual,” she said.
Behind the scenes, some RTM members questioned whether Greenwich should be entering into agreements with indemnification clauses that could expose the town to financial risk. “This is where small legal details turn into big financial problems,” one member noted privately.
Despite those concerns, the RTM approved the agreement 151-4, with 17 abstentions.
Looking Ahead
Before adjourning, Moderator Voulgaris reminded members of upcoming community events.
She highlighted the Greenwich Girl Scouts and League of Women Voters’ “Women in Government” event on April 6. “We invite all women in government, Board of Education members, RTM members, and town staff to help our youngest constituents learn how to make an impact in our community,” she said.
She also encouraged participation in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 23, where RTM members will march under an official banner.
