Public discussion on an agreement that could lead to the retirement of North Branford Police Chief Matthew Canelli took place on June 27, during a special meeting of the North Branford Town Council and North Branford Board of Police Commissioners.

To date, Canelli has served more than 40 years with the department. On June 27, the council and commissioners arrived on an agreement that has now been advanced to Canelli and his attorneys for review, said North Branford Town Attorney Vincent Marino, speaking to Zip06/The Sound on June 28.

"The special meeting was part of current discussions about the chief's retirement, after more than four decades of service to the town," Marino told Zip06/The Sound.

He said the meeting was part of the "public process" required to handle the agreement "...appropriately and professionally, from a process standpoint, in order to advance something over to the chief."

Calling it a "work in progress," at this time, Marino said the town's and chief's attorneys remain in contact while the agreement is being reviewed.

Zip06/The Sound will update this story when more information becomes available.