Representative Town Meeting (RTM) - Minutes - 09/22/2025

FIFTEEN ROPE FERRY ROAD
WATERFORD, CT 06385-2886
PHONE: 860-442-0553
www.waterfordct.org
MINUTES » £ ad
REPRESENTATIVE TOWN MEETING \ 9 BS
Special Meeting . BS eA
September 22, 2025 : a 5
nN 2
RTM Moderator Paul Goldstein called the September 22, 2025 Special Meeting of the Representative
Town Meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Kyrah Augmon-Bossa, Michael Bono, Jennifer Bracciale, Mary Childs, Harry Colonis, Timothy
Condon, Thomas J. Dembek, Susan Driscoll, Timothy Fioravanti, Paul Goldstein, Kristen Gonzalez,
Narciss Greene, Ryan Healy, Christina Jessuck, Matthew Keatley, Lindsay Khan, Kate MacKenzie, Shawn
Monahan, Ursula Moreshead, Chris Muckle, Kayla Mullen, Kathleen Mullen Kohl, Theodore Olynciw,
Danielle Steward-Gelinas, David Sugrue.
ABSENT: Erica Casper
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS PRESENT: First Selectman Robert J Brule, Selectman Richard Muckle, Board of
Finance Chair Glenn Patterson
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS ABSENT: Selectman Greg Attanasio, Board of Education Chair Pat Fedor
ALSO PRESENT: Town Clerk David L. Campo, Town Attorney Robert Avena, Town Attorney Nick Kepple,
Director of Finance Kim Allen.
CORRESPONDENCE
A legal opinion was received from Town Attorney Nicholas Kepple, and a letter from RTM Member Ted
Olynciw in regard to the Final Item 3. (See Attachment)
PUBLIC COMMENT
Waterford Police Chief Marc Balestracci spoke in favor of a new Oswegatchie Fire Station. (See
Attachment) Waterford Resident Vic Ferry, 13 Colonial Dr, spoke in support of the research and the
need for five fire houses in Waterford. Waterford resident Jeffrey Craddoc, 38 Seabreeze Dr, spoke in
favor of the passing of Items 4 and 5.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
MOTION by Driscoll, seconded by Keatley to accept the committee reports submitted by the Finance,
Wage & Personnel Standing Committee of the RTM and the Fire Services Review Special Committee.
(See Attachment)
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Driscoll, to move ITEM 4 and 5, then reverse 1 and 2 making
the new order 4, 5, 2, 1, 3.
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
1 RTM MINUTES 09/22/2025

CALL ITEM 4 — Waterford Code of Ordinances Consideration
PRESENTATION: Assessor Paige Walton, Town Attorney Robert Avena
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Driscoll, to approve a recommendation from the Finance,
Wage & Personnel Standing Committee of the RTM to amend the Waterford Code of Ordinances by
adopting Section 3.12.145 — Exemptions for Veterans with TDIU Determination and Section 3.12.186 —
Alternate exemption for dwelling or motor vehicle of veterans’ surviving spouse. (See Attachment)
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
CALL ITEM 5 ~ Emergency Legislation
MOTION by Driscoll, seconded by Khan, to approve the above matter as emergency legislation and to
waive the 15-day waiting period, in order to codify as ordinances prior to the October 1, 2025 Grand List
date.
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
CALL ITEM 2 — Town Radio and Communications Upgrade
PRESENTATION: Emergency Management Director Steven Sinagra, Police Chief Marc Balestracci,
Director of Fire Services Christopher Haley
MOTION by Driscoll, seconded by Bracciale, to approve a recommendation from the Board of Finance
for an appropriation of $1,000,000 from the Unassigned General Fund Balance for upgrades to the
town’s communication systems as prepared by Motorola dated August 13, 2025,
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
MOTION by Driscoll, seconded by Khan, approve the above matter as emergency legislation and to
waive the 15-day waiting period, in order to meet the deadline of the Motorola estimate.
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
CALL ITEM 1 - Town Radio and Communications Upgrade
PRESENTATION: Emergency Management Director Steven Sinagra, Police Chief Marc Balestracci,
Director of Fire Services Christopher Haley
MOTION by Dembek, seconded by Khan, to approve a recommendation from the Board of Finance that
an appropriation not to exceed $4,600,000 be approved for upgrades to the town’s communication
systems as prepared by Motorola dated August 13, 2025. The appropriation may be spent for design,
demolition, renovation and construction costs, equipment, furnishings, materials, site improvements,
survey costs, architects’ fees, engineering fees, other consultants’ fees, legal fees, net temporary
interest and other financing costs and other expenses related to the project and financing; to authorize
the Board of Selectman to determine the scope and particulars of the project to authorize the issue of
up to $4,600,000 bonds or notes, and temporary notes to finance, in part, said appropriation; to
authorize the First Selectman and the Director of Finance ta determine the amount, date, interest rates,
maturities, redemption provisions, form and other details of the transfer agent, and paying agent for the
obligations to designate one or more banks or trust companies to be certifying bank, registrar, transfer
agent, and paying agent for the obligations, to provide for the keeping of a record of the obligations; to
designate a financial advisor to the town in connection with the sale of the obligations; to see the
obligations at public or private sale, to deliver the obligations and to perform all other acts which are
necessary or appropriate to issue the obligations; to designate Shipman and Goodwin as bond counsel
to approve the legality of the obligations; to declare the Town’s official intent under Federal Income Tax
Regulation Section 1.150-2 that project costs may be paid from temporary advances of available funds
2 RTM MINUTES 09/22/2025

and that the Town reasonably expects to reimburse any such advances from the proceeds of
borrowings; to authorize the First Selectman and the Director of Finance to make representations and
covenants to maintain the continued exemption from federal income taxation of interest on the
obligations and to make representations and enter into written agreements for the benefit of holders of
the obligations to provide secondary market disclosure information; and to authorize the First
Selectman, the Director of Finance, and other proper officers and officials of the Town to execute and
file all necessary applications, agreements and documents in order to obtains grants to finance the
project.
A friendly amendment was accepted upon advice from Finance Director Kim Allen to reduce the
$4,600,000 to $3,600,000 where it appears in ITEM 1.
Town Clerk David Campo notified the body that the complete resolution needs to be read into the
record unless waived prior to taking action.
MOTION by Sugrue, seconded by Steward-Gelinas, to waive the reading along with reducing $4,600,000
to $3,600,000 where it appears in the resolution, (See Attachment)
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
ORIGINAL MOTION WITH THE FRIENDLY AMENDMENT PASSED: Unanimous
MOTION by Driscoll, seconded by Khan, approve the above matter as emergency legislation and to
waive the 15-day waiting period, in order to meet the deadline of the Motorola estimate.
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
CALL ITEM 3 — Fire Services Review Special Committee Final Report
PRESENTATION: Chairman Robert Tuneski, Director of Fire Services Christopher Haley
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Keatley, to accept the Fire Services Review Special
Committee’s Final Report with its recommendation that no further action is required by the RTM at this
time.
Chairman Tuneski read an opening statement and stood for questions.
A friendly amendment was offered by Driscoll and accepted to remove “with its recommendation that
no further action is required by the RTM at this time”.
Town Attorney Nicholas Kepple spoke in regard to a legal opinion he submitted in regard to the charge
of the committee. (See Attachment) The body discussed the report, the authority of the body, and the
future of Waterford Fire Services.
VOTING IN FAVOR: Bono, Bracciale, Colonis, Dembek, Goldstein, Healy, Jessuck, Keatley, MacKenzie,
Monahan, Muckle, Steward-Gelinas, Sugrue
VOTING AGAINST: Augmon-Bossa, Childs, Condon, Driscoll, Fioravanti, Gonzalez, Greene, Khan,
Moreshead, Mullen, Mullen Kohl, Olynciw
MOTION PASSED: 13-12-0
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Keatley, to adjourn at 8:51 P.M.
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
Respectfully Submitted,
David L. Campo, CCTC
Waterford Town Clerk
3. RTM MINUTES 09/22/2025

Robert A. Avena
Raymond L. Baribeault, Jr.
James P. Berryman
Michael A. Blanchard
Eric W. Callahan
Michael P. Carey
Richard S. Cody
John A. Collins, IIL
Bryan P. Fiengo
Linda C. Gretotti
Theodore W. Heiser
Michael A. Hespeler
Jeffrey W. Hill
Carolyn P. Kelly
Kristi D. Kelly
Nicholas F, Kepple
Jillian K. Miller
Samuel M. Nassetta
Marjorie A. Richardson
Roger T. Scully
Martha Singer
Kayla M. Wright
Kyle J. Zrenda
In Memoriam
Andrew J. Brand
James F. Brennan
James J. Courtney
L. Patrick Gray, IIL
Michael V. Sage
Matthew Shafner
Max M. Shapiro
Charles J. Suisman
Thomas B. Wilson
Louis C. Wool
Of Counsel
Hinda K. Kimmel
Jay B. Levin
Richard A. Schatz
Suisman Shapiro
Nicholas F. Kepple
P.O. Box 1445 | Pawcatuck, CT 06379
nkepple@sswbgg.com
Attorneys-At-Law 860-235-1832
September 22, 2025
Paul Goldstein, RTM Moderator _ 2
Town of Waterford —
15 Rope Ferry Road oN
Waterford, CT 06385 2 “3g
Dear Moderator Goldstein: ‘ oe 42
(om J
lu og
Ihave been asked to respond to an anticipated question regarding whether and
to what extent the Fire Services Review Special Committee met its original “charge”
when formed by the RTM in June of 2021. As the minutes of the June 2021 meeting
reflect, the language of the charge to this Special Committee included reference to the
creation of a “steering document” and “strategic plan”. Though these words were in
fact used in the motion to approve the formation of this RTM Special Committee, I
am of the opinion, for reasons explained herein, that this aspect of the charge to the
committee was inappropriate and improper because it would have required this RTM
Special Committee to be conducting business which is outside the scope of authority
of the RTM.
According to Waterford’s Charter, the RTM, in sum, performs several crucial
functions: it appoints individuals as well as forms standing and special committees, it
adopts budgets and approves supplemental appropriations outside the budget process
and it adopts and amends ordinances. (This recitation is not intended to express the
entirety of the RTM’s responsibilities, but rather to capture the primary role of the
RTM as the Town’s legislative body. See Attachment A - Town Charter Sections
3.1.1, 3.04.050, 3.04.060 and CGS §7-193 attached hereto).
The RTM creating a “steering document” or'strategically planning for how the
Town’s Fire Department should run is not a role described anywhere in Waterford’s
Charter or ordinances. In fact, according to the ordinance adopted by the RTM to
govern the operation of the Town’s Fire Department (See Attachment B - Ordinance
2.36.020 et seq.), the Fire Director is principally responsible for administering the
Department and charting its future course. Obviously, the RTM has profound
influence regarding the current and future operation of the Fire Department based on
its ultimate authority over the Department’s annual budget.
A Tradition of Innovative Solutions
Suisman, Shapiro, Wool, Brennan, Gray & Greenberg, P.C.
2 Union Plaza, Suite 200 ¢ P.O. Box 1591, New London, CT 06320
Phone 860-442-4416 © Fax 860-442-0495 © www.suismanshapiro.com

Paul Goldstein Page 2 September 22, 2025
Given the primary responsibility for Fire Department operations granted by ordinance to
the Fire Director it would, in my opinion, be improper for a Special Committee formed by and
comprised of a majority membership of RTM members to usurp the role of the Fire Director in
shaping the current or future proposed operations of the Department. Having an RTM Special
Committee create a “steering document” or “strategic plan” with specific recommendations
regarding Departmental operations would constitute, in my view, an infringement of the Fire
Director’s responsibilities.
As influential as the RTM is in how the Waterford Fire Department functions, either
through its budgeting or ordinance powers, under Waterford’s governmental division of
responsibility the RTM must exercise those extensive powers as a response to the Director’s
initiatives through the Departmental budget rather than endeavoring to direct the course of
Departmental activities though its own initiatives.
The Review Committee has performed an appropriate function by reviewing the
Department and reporting its findings. It has made observations and made suggestions for the
Director to consider going forward in his administration of the Department. The Committee has
provided a useful overview regarding various issues facing the Department and all Town
agencies, in particular the BOS, BOF and RTM who consider the Department’s operational and
capital needs each year. All of this is within the appropriate scope of the role of an RTM Special
Committee. Refraining from an effort to meet an inappropriate charge is actually a positive
rather than a deficiency. To do otherwise would have been an ultra vires action by the RTM, a
Latin term meaning “beyond its powers” which refers to an act by a government entity that
exceeds the scope of their legal authority, as defined by their charter and ordinances.
For the reasons cited herein and based on the delineation of authority for Fire Department
management, the Fire Services Review Committee properly met its responsibilities to the RTM
under Waterford’s Charter and relevant ordinance.
Sincerely,
&
Nicholas F. Kep
Waterford Town/Attorney
NFK/pmn
ce: Robert Brule, First Selectman, Town of Waterford
Robert Tuneski, Chair, Fire Services Review Special Committee

9/18/25, 4:09 PM Waterford, CT Cade of Ordinances .
3.1 - REPRESENTATIVE TOWN MEETING Alte chmeat A
3.1.1 - LEGISLATIVE BODY.
From and after the effective date of this charter, all legislative power of the Town of Waterford, including the
power to enact ordinances, shall be vested in the representative town meeting hereinafter established,
subject to the referendum hereinafter provided for and subject further to any powers expressly given to any
board or commission by the terms of this charter or the provisions of the general statutes. The
representative town meeting may delegate the power to implement or carry into effect any of the powers
set forth in this charter to any officer, board or commission of the town.
(Amended 11-8-94, effective 12-8-94)
about:blank
ai

9/18/25, 4:12 PM Waterford, CT Code of Ordinances
3,04.,050 - Budget—Contents.
The budget breakdown, as presented to the board of selectmen, board of finance and the representative
town meeting, shall contain the following:
A. For the last previous completed fiscal year:
Amount expended.
B. For the current fiscal year list:
Amount appropriated;
Amount expended (actual of January 1st and amount estimated for balance of fiscal year).
C. For the ensuing fiscal year list:
Amount requested;
Amount approved by the board of selectmen;
Amount approved by the board of finance;
Amount appropriated by representative town meeting.
D. Aline item for each category of expense or special requirement.
(Prior code § 2-25; Amend. of 2-6-12)
about:blank
WM

9/18/25,.4:12 PM Waterford, CT Code of Ordinances
3.04,060 - Budget—Preparation by representative town meeting—Presentation to finance director.
The representative town meeting shall prepare its budget by procedures to be established by the
representative town meeting and incorporated in the rules of the representative town meeting. The budget
of the representative town meeting shall be presented to the board of finance by the moderator of the
representative town meeting.
(Prior code § 2-26)
about:blank
4

9/18/25, 4:45 PM Connecticut General Statutes Title 7. Municipalities § 7-193 | FindLaw
Find a Legal Learn Legal
FindLaw. Lawyer Forms& v Aboutthe y professionals ” res @ |
Services Law
FINDLAW / CODES / CONNECTICUT / JITLE7. MUNICIPALITIES / §7-193
Connecticut General Statutes Title 7. Municipalities § 7-193.
Required provisions. Organization of government
Current as of January 01, 2024 | Updated by FindLaw Staff
(a) Any charter adopted or amended under the provisions of this chapter shall conform to the
following requirements:
(1) The municipality shall have a legislative body, which may be: (A) A town meeting; (B) a
representative town meeting; (C) a board of selectmen, council, board of directors, board of
aldermen or board of burgesses; or (D) a combination of a town meeting or representative town
meeting and one of the bodies listed in subparagraph (C). In any combination, the body having the
greater number of members shall have the power to adopt the annual budget and shall have such
other powers as the charter prescribes, and the body having the lesser number of members shall
have the power to adopt, amend and repeal ordinances, subject to any limitations imposed by the
general statutes or by the charter. The number of members in any elective legislative body, the
terms of office of such members and the method by which they are elected shall be prescribed by
the charter.
(2) The municipality shall have a chief executive officer, who may be one of the following: (A) The
first selectman; (B) a chief administrative officer appointed by the board of selectmen; (C) a mayor
elected by the electors of the municipality; (D) a warden elected by the electors of the borough; (E)
a town, city or borough manager appointed by the board of selectmen, the council, the board of
directors, the board of aldermen or the board of burgesses; (F) a chief administrative officer
appointed by the mayor. Any municipality having a manager as its chief executive officer may also
have a mayor who shall be the presiding officer of its legislative body, shall be the ceremonial head
of such municipality and shall have such other powers and duties as the charter prescribes. The
powers, duties and term of office of the chief executive officer shall be those prescribed by the
general statutes and he shall have such other powers and duties as the charter prescribes.
htins://eodes.findlaw.com/ctititla-7-municivalities/ct-aen-st-sect-7-193/#:~:text=(1) The municipality shall have,be prescribed by the charter,

; . 9118/28, 4:15 PM Connecticut General Statutes Title 7. Municipalities § 7-193 | FindLaw
(b) Every municipality shall have all municipal officers, departments, boards, commissions and
agencies which are required by the general statutes or by the charter. Each municipality may have any
municipal officers, departments, boards, commissions and agencies which are specifically allowed by
the general statutes or which are necessary to carry out any municipal powers, duties or
responsibilities under the general statutes. All such officers, departments, boards, commissions and
agencies shall be elected, appointed and organized in the manner provided by the general statutes,
except as otherwise provided by the charter or by ordinances or resolutions adopted pursuant to such
charter. Any municipality may, by charter or by ordinances or resolutions adopted pursuant to such
charter, alter the method of election, appointment or organization of any or all of such officers,
departments, boards, commissions or agencies, including combining or separating the duties of each,
unless specifically prohibited from making such alteration by the Constitution or the general statutes.
< Back to chapter list < Previous part of code | | Next part of code >
Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Connecticut General Statutes Title 7. Municipalities § 7-193. — copy
Required provisions. Organization of government - last updated January 01, 2024 |
https://codes.findlaw.com/ct/title-7-municipalities/ct-gen-st-sect-7-193.html
Read this complete Connecticut General Statutes Title 7. Municipalities § 7-193. Required provisions.
Organization of government on Westlaw. Westlaw subscription required.
FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the
status of the code you are researching with the state legislature or via Westlaw before relying on it for
your legal needs.
Was this helpful? [ Yes cy | | No GP |
Search all Connecticut Codes
https://codes.findlaw.com/ctititle-7-municipatitias/ct-gen-st-sect-7-193/#:~:text=(1) The municipality shall have,be prescribed by the charter. 27

9/18/25, 4:13 PM Waterford, CT Code of Ordinances 4 tHe ¢ i Mer } B
2.36.020 - Waterford Fire Department.
The "Waterford Fire Department" is the town-wide department that provides fire-fighting, rescue and
emergency medical services throughout the town.
(Amend. of 10-7-19(2))
2.36.030 - Structure; authority.
The Waterford Fire Department shall be staffed through volunteers and/or paid individuals, who shall
operate out of town facilities and/or publicly or privately owned entities with which the town has contracted.
Such privately owned entities may include, but are not limited to Waterford Fire Engine Co. No. 1, Inc.,
Quaker Hill Fire Company, incorporated, Goshen Fire Department, Incorporated, Oswegatchie Fire
Company, Cohanzie Fire Company No. 5 and Waterford Ambulance Association.
A. The board of selectmen shall appoint a director of fire services.
B. The director of fire services is responsible to the first selectman and is charged with managing
the Waterford Fire Department and directing the coordination of ail fire, rescue, emergency
medical services and on-scene fire ground operations. The director of fire services may divide
the town into multiple geographical districts for purposes of providing coverage, and may
redistrict from time to time.
(Amend. of 10-7-19(2))
2.36.040 - Waterford Fire Department Personnel.
Any individual, volunteer or paid, wishing to serve in the Waterford Fire Department, must meet and
maintain the qualifications for said volunteer or paid position as set forth by the director of fire services and
director of human resources, Such volunteer or paid individuals are personnel of the Waterford Fire
Department.
All personnel are responsible for operating in conformance with unified policies, rules and procedures
established by the director of fire services. The director of fire services and/or his/her designee are
responsible for ensuring that such policies, rules and procedures are followed.
(Amend. of 10-7-19(2)),
2.36.050 - Powers and duties of the director of fire services.
A. The director of fire services shall establish standard policies, rules and procedures for providing
fire-fighting, rescue and other emergency and safety services throughout the town as from time
to time shail be deemed appropriate. Such policies, rules and procedures shail be consistent with
policies and direction from the first selectman and shall consider, and comply with as necessary,
ahauthlank 1

9/48/25, 4:13 PM
Waterford, CT Code of Ordinances 1
applicable state and federal law; applicable National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards and/or
other health and safety standards; and applicable provisions of the Town Charter, personnel policies and
collective bargaining agreements.
B. The director of fire services shall coordinate the training program of the Waterford Fire
Department; take appropriate steps to improve efficiency, recruitment and community
awareness; develop specifications for needed equipment and determine purchase requirements,
evaluate risk management issues; develop annual budget recommendations; and develop
strategic and tactical plans for future equipment and facilities.
. The director of fire services shall plan new programs and take necessary steps to have such
programs implemented and represent the Waterford Fire Department before the board of
selectmen, board of finance, representative town meeting, other town agencies, other state and
local agencies and the general public. The director of fire services shall analyze the needs of the
Waterford Fire Department and coordinate programs to meet those needs.
. The director of fire services shall make recommendations to the first selectman regarding the
direction, discipline, suspension and relief from active duty of any paid individual or volunteer in
the Waterford Fire Department, subject to the provisions of town ordinances, personnel policies
and applicable collective bargaining contracts.
. The director of fire services shall maintain, or cause to be maintained, a current roster of all
Waterford Fire Department personnel and their qualifications.
(Amend, of 10-7-19(2))
2.36.060 - Funding of the Waterford Fire Department.
A. Operation and funding of the Waterford Fire Department includes, but is not limited to,
equipment and apparatus and shall be consistent with all policies, rules, and procedures set forth
by the director of fire services.
B. The director of fire services shall create and maintain a five-year operation and funding plan.
Such plan shall be presented to the board of selectmen at the first meeting following the first
selectman election cycle. Presentations to the board of finance and representative town meeting
shall also be made at the first meeting following the first selectman election cycle.
. Any agreement between the town and one or more third parties, directly related to the provision
of fire protection and/or emergency medical services, which is approved by the board of
selectmen and signed by the first selectman shall then be forwarded to the board of finance and
representative town meeting for notification purposes only.
(Amend. of 10-7-19(2))
2,36.070 - Appointment of fire marshals and deputies.
abaut:hlank
24

9/18/25, 4:13 PM
Waterford, CT Code of Ordinances
The board of selectmen shail have authority for the appointment of a fire marshal and deputies. Funding
requirements for the fire marshal's office shall be included in the fire service budget.
(Amend. of 10-7-19(2))
2.36,075 - Fire marshal fee schedule and enforcement.
ahanthlank
A.
Purpose. The purpose of this fee schedule is to allow the Town of Waterford Fire Marshal's Office
to collect fees in connection with the fire marshal's fire inspection and plan review responsibilities
and other activities within the boundaries of the Town of Waterford, Connecticut, that are
regulated by the Waterford Town Ordinances, the state fire safety code, the state fire prevention
code, the Connecticut General Statutes and/or the regulations promulgated by the office of the
state fire marshal or the department of emergency services and public protection.
Fee schedule for fire marshal duties, Pursuant to Connecticut Agencies Regulations 29-291a-7a(g),
the fire marshal shall adopt a fee schedule for certain prescribed duties in accordance with the
Connecticut State Fire Prevention Code. Fees may be assessed for functions including, but not
limited to, permits, plan reviews, inspections, and special events. Such fees may be modified as
deemed necessary by the fire marshal. Such proposed modifications shall be submitted to the
RTM for its approval and the RTM's consideration of said modifications shall serve as notice of
changes to this fee schedule.
Posting of fee schedule. The fire marshal shal! post the current fee schedule, in public view, at the
office of the fire marshal, the office of the building department, and on the town's website. Any
occupancy existing on the adoption date of the ordinance codified herein shall be exempt from
initial fees but shall be subject to renewal inspections and fees.
Exemption from fee liability. All boards and agencies of the Town of Waterford, including the use
of private fire company properties used for fire protection services, shall be exempt from the
payment of fees pursuant to this chapter.
Enforcement of state fire prevention code. When the fire marshal ascertains that there exists in
any building, or upon any premises, a condition that violates the state fire prevention code, the
fire marshal shall enforce such state fire prevention code in accordance with Connecticut Genera!
Statutes § 29-291(c) and may impose any penalties and/or fines as set forth therein, as may be
amended from time to time.
Activity fees—Certification/license inspections. When the office of the fire marshal performs an
inspection that requires official certification issued from the office, a fee shall be charged for such
inspection prior to the issuance of a certificate. The fees for such inspection noted below shall
an

9/18/25, 4:13 PM Waterford, CT Cade of Ordinances
apply. All other fees for inspections, reviews, or services must be submitted with applications for such
services, Government, public education and nonprofit organizations are exempt from fees but are still
subject to inspections as required.
Type of Occupancy Initial Fee Renewal Fee
Assembly use, liquor license $100.00 $50.00
Carnival/Fair $100.00 N/A
DCF Code Compliance $50.00 $25.00
Educational Facilities (Private) $100.00 $50.00
Hood and Extinguishing Systems $100.00 $50.00
Nursing and Convalescent Homes $250.00 $100.00
Residential Board and Care $250.00 $100.00
Day Care Facilities $100.00 $50.00
Group Day Care (Home) $100.00 $50.00
Hotel/Motel $200.00 $100.00
Bed and Breakfast $100.00 $50.00
Dry Cleaning Facilities $100.00 $50.00
Retail Fireworks/Sparkler $200.00 $200,00
Elevator Certification $100.00 N/A
Hazardous Materials Transport $50,00 $50.00
Blasting Permits (set by State Statute) $60.00 N/A
about:blank 44

9/18/25, 4:13 PM Waterford, CT Code of Ordinances
Propane Filling Station $75.00 $25.00
Propane Tank Installation $50.00 N/A
Propane Tank Use at Events $25.00 N/A
Burning Permits $25.00 N/A
Oil Tank Removal <1,000 gal $100.00 N/A
Oil Tank Removal >1,000 gal $250.00 N/A
G. Plan review fees, Whenever any person, firm, business or other entity submits a plan in
connection with a building permit for review and/or approval from the office of the fire marshal,
the fees for said review and/or approval shail be based on aggregate building square footage as
set forth below.
independent plan review may be required on any project.
Building plan review:
(a) Up to 2,000 square feet: $100.00
(b) 2,001 square feet to 4,999 square feet: $175.00
(c) 5,000 square feet to 9,999 square feet: $350.00
(d) 10,000 square feet to 20,000 square feet: $650.00
(e) 20,001 square feet to 50,000 square feet: $850.00
(f) 50,001 square feet to 100,000 square feet: $1,250.00
(g) 100,001 square feet to 250,000 square feet: $2,500.00
(h) 250,001 square feet or greater: $6,000.00
Fire alarm system plan review (square footage of area being protected):
(a) Up to 2,000 square feet: $100.00
(b) 2,001 square feet to 4,999 square feet: $120.00
(c) 5,000 square feet to 9,999 square feet: $200.00
(d) 10,000 square feet to 20,000 square feet: $350.00
(e) 20,001 square feet to 50,000 square feet: $750.00
(f) 50,001 square feet to 100,000 square feet: $950.00
nhavbhtanl
5/1

9/18/25, 4:13 PM Waterford, CT Cade of Ordinances
(g) 100,001 square feet to 250,000 square feet: $2,000.00
(h) 250,001 square feet or greater: $3,000.00
Sprinkler system plan (square footage of area being protected):
(a) Up to 2,000 square feet: $100.00
(b) 2,001 square feet to 4,999 square feet: $120.00
(c) 5,000 square feet to 9,999 square feet: $200.00
(d) 10,000 square feet to 20,000: $650.00
(e) 20,001 square feet to 50,000 square feet: $750.00
(f) 50,001 to 100,000 square feet: $950.00
(g) 100,001 square feet to 250,000 square feet: $1,250.00
(h) 250,001 square feet or greater: $2,800.00
Food service type | hood system (includes final acceptance inspection): $75.00
Hood, duct, and suppression systems:
(a) Kitchen suppression system (wet chemical): $100.00
(b) Other special suppression system: $100.00
(c) Hood and ductwork (mechanicals): $100.00
H. Plan review compliance. Any plans for buildings may be required to have an independent plan
review, as determined at the sole discretion of the office of the fire marshal. The independent
plan review may be conducted by a plan reviewer hired by the applicant and subject to the
approval of the office of the fire marshal. The applicant shall pay all costs associated with the
contracted plan reviewer's independent review and any fees associated with the Waterford Fire
Marshal's Office. The applicant shall submit the plan reviewer's written report prior to the office
of the fire marshal's review and approval of any such plan. The office of the fire marshal has the
final authority to modify submitted plans.
The office of the fire marshal shall have thirty days to complete the review of such submitted drawings
and shall provide in writing authorization to release a building permit from the Town of Waterford Building
Official in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes § 29-263.
When the review is completed and the plan fully complies with the Connecticut State Fire Safety Code, a
plan review report shall be provided to the applicant. In addition, a recommendation for permit shall be
forwarded to the building official.
Fire marshal inspections shall be required at various phases of the construction process and shall be
specified on the plan review report. Once all required inspections have been conducted and passed, the fire
marshal shall forward a recommendation for a certificate of occupancy to the building official,
about-blank 6/14

"9/18/25, 4:13 PM
1
Waterford, CT Code of Ordinances
Billing and enforcement. No permit or required certificate shall be issued to any party until the
fee for such permit or certificate has been submitted with the appropriate application. All fees
shall be payable by check only, made out to “Town of Waterford Fire Marshal's Office." The Town
of Waterford may take any enforcement action necessary to obtain compliance with the
ordinance codified in this section.
(Amend, of 12-4-23(1))
2.36.080 - Volunteer firefighters and fire police incentive program.
A.
about:blank
Purpose, Pursuant to § 7-148(c)(4)(B) of the Connecticut General Statutes, the Town of Waterford
may enact an ordinance to organize, maintain and regulate the persons providing fire protection.
This volunteer firefighters and fire police incentive program is designed to provide monetary
compensation to active volunteer firefighters and fire police members in the Town of Waterford
Fire Department, in an effort to assist in covering volunteers' expenses during the execution of
their duties, while complying with the federal Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 as amended, 29
U.S.C. § 201 et seq. ("FLSA"). The FLSA permits payments for reimbursement of expenses,
reasonable benefits and nominal fees to volunteers without impairing their status as volunteers.
These benefits are in addition to the existing property tax abatement program for volunteer
firefighters in Title 3, Chapter 3.12 of this Code of Ordinances. Town of Waterford Fire
Department personnel employed by the Town of Waterford are not eligible for this volunteer
firefighters and fire police incentive program.
Definitions.
1, Program: The term "program" means the volunteer firefighters and fire police incentive
program.
2. Program year: Program year is the fiscal year, i.e., July 1—June 30.
3. Implementation date: The implementation date of the program is July 1, 2020.
4. Volunteer member in good standing in the Waterford Fire Department: A volunteer member
in good standing is defined as:
a. Acertified firefighter (i.e., State of Connecticut Firefighter 1 or higher) who has
participated in the minimum training sessions designated by the director of fire services
and including, but not limited to, required training (as set forth in subsection B.8), by June
30 of the year preceding the year of eligibility (e.g., complete training by June 30, 2020, to
be eligible for the program for the fiscal year July 1, 2020—June 30, 2021, absent a
modification of the June 30 date by the director of fire services on an individual basis
pursuant to subsection B.8); and/or
YW

9/48/25, 4:13 PM Waterford, CT Code of Ordinances
A member of the fire police who has participated in the minimum training sessions designated by the
director of fire services and, including, but not limited to, required training (as set forth in subsection B.8.d),
by June 30 of the year preceding the year of eligibility (e.g., complete training by June 30, 2020,to be eligible
for the program for the fiscal year July 1, 2020—june 30, 2021, absent a modification of the June 30 date by
the director of fire services on an individual basis pursuant to subsection B.8); and who has been sworn in
by the town clerk.
Avolunteer member in good standing does not include any member terminated from volunteer
service by the Town of Waterford or otherwise separating from volunteer service for any reason,
voluntary or involuntary.
5. Active volunteer firefighter in the Waterford Fire Department: An active volunteer firefighter is
a certified firefighter and member in good standing who, during the year of eligibility, has
participated in a minimum number of approved training drills and maintains the minimum
training requirements as set forth by the director of fire services.
6. Active volunteer fire police member in the Waterford Fire Department: An active volunteer fire
police member is a member in good standing who has been sworn in by the town clerk and
who maintains the minimum training requirements as set forth by the director of fire services.
7. Approved training drill: An approved training drill is a Waterford Fire Department level drill
that is approved in advance by the director of fire services.
8. Required training: Required training is state and federal minimum requirements to function at
emergency scenes. These requirements shall include, but are not limited to, the yearly
certifications and recertifications along with the approved training drills. The director of fire
services maintains the discretion, upon a showing of good cause by the volunteer, to excuse
temporarily and/or until a date certain, the absence of any such certifications, recertifications
and/or approved training drills.
Training shail include, but is not limited to, the following titles and substantive content (training
titles and reference numbers may change from time to tire):
a. Minimum certifications:
State of Connecticut Firefighter 1
Hazardous Materials - Operational Level
1S-700: National Incident Management System
ICS-100: introduction to the Incident Command System
ICS-200: ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
b. Mandatory training:
ahonfintank 8/14

9/18/25, 4:13 PM
ahoubhianl
10.
11.
Waterford, CT Code of Ordinances
Attend routine training drills (Monthly)
OSHA Mandates
* Haz-Mat Operational Refresher
«Incident Command System Refresher
+ Live Fire Training (Annual)
* Bloodborne Pathogens
+ SCBA refresher
*Routine Fit Testing
«CPR Certification
¢. Certified fire officer requirements (additional):
State of Connecticut Fire Officer 1
IS-800: National Response Framework
ICS-300: Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents
ICS-400: Advanced ICS for Command and General Staff
d. Fire police requirements:
Hazardous Materials - Awareness Level
1S-700: National incident Management System
ICS-100: introduction to the incident Command System
Stipend: A stipend is an amount of money awarded to any active volunteer firefighter or
active volunteer fire police member who meets the criteria set forth below and as may be
modified, from time to time, by the director of fire services.
Point: A point represents participation by an active volunteer firefighter or active volunteer
fire police member in an emergency fire response or approved training drills as described in
subsection B.7. To receive a point, an active volunteer firefighter or active volunteer fire police
member must actually attend an incident and/or respond to and arrive at an activated station
before the incident commander dismisses the assignment and/or attend and complete
approved training drills. Individuals serving with the Waterford Ambulance Service when
attending and/or responding to a particular incident will not receive points related to that
incident.
Incident commander: The incident commander sets priorities and defines the incident
command system organization for the particular response and is responsible for the safety,
accountability, and welfare of personnel through an incident.
C. Program components.
1.
9/

9/18/25, 4:13 PM
Waterford, CT Code of Ordinances
Stipend schedule: Active volunteer firefighters and active volunteer fire police members who meet the
criteria set forth below are eligible for stipends issued on a quarterly basis as follows:
First Quarter = | july through September (issued in October)
Second Quarter = | October through December (Issued in January)
Third Quarter = | January through March (Issued in April)
Fourth Quarter = | April through June (Issued in July)
about-htank
2. Reporting requirements:
a. An incident report shall be generated and completed for every dispatched incident.
b. All active volunteer firefighters and active volunteer fire police members must sign the
report within fifteen minutes of the last vehicle returning to the station at the termination
of the event.
c. If an active volunteer firefighter or active volunteer fire police member is not able to sign
the report within the allotted time set forth in subsection C.2.b, he or she must file a
report within twenty-four hours of the incident.
d. Anyone documenting another member's name on the report shall initial next to that entry
for validation purposes.
e, Attendance records shall be recorded and maintained on the town's approved records
management software.
f. The director of fire services or his/her designee shall prepare the quarterly reports for
payment.
g. All quarterly reports will be reviewed and approved by the director of fire services prior to
the approval of issuance of quarterly stipend.
h. The director of fire services shall also submit quarterly reports to the RTM on the status of
the program.
3. Stipend eligibility and amount: An active volunteer firefighter or active volunteer fire police
member shall not receive any stipend until receiving a minimum of thirty points during that
fiscal year. The active volunteer firefighter or active volunteer fire police member will then be
provided a stipend at the rate of seven dollars for each prior and subsequent point earned
during that fiscal year (e.g., an active volunteer firefighter who has thirty-five points will
receive two hundred forty-five dollars; an active volunteer firefighter with twenty points will
10/14

9/18/25, 4:13 PM Waterford, CT Cade of Ordinances
receive zero dollars). The director of fire services may propose changes to the mandatory/minimum
eligibility criteria, point value (increase or decrease), stipend rate or amount (increase or decrease) to the
RTM, which may act on such proposed changes by majority vote. As part of its determination, the RTM must
evaluate continued compliance with the federal Fair Labor Standards Act.
(R.T.M. 4-3-23 (part)
4, Discretionary decisions on awarding of points: The director of fire services, in the exercise of
his/her discretion, will decide any disputes regarding the awarding of points under subsection
B.10. The director of fire services, also may, in accordance with departmental policy, award
points for reasons other than those expressly set forth in subsection B.10. These decisions
shall be documented in the quarterly report.
(R.T.M. 4-3-23 (part)
5. Higher level of training stipend: An active volunteer firefighter who receives at least thirty
points during a fiscal year and who is also a certified fire officer and meets all the additional
requirements outlined in subsection B.8.c will receive an additional one hundred fifty dollars
onan annual basis in recognition of his/her higher level of training, An active volunteer
firefighter who receives at least thirty points during a fiscal year and meets the requirements
for both Fire Officer 1 and EMT certification will receive an additional fifty dollars, for a total
annual higher level of training stipend of two hundred dollars. These stipends will be issued at
the same time as the stipend for the initial thirty points. The director of fire services may
propose changes to the higher level of training stipend amount (increase or decrease) to the
RTM, which may act on such proposed changes by majority vote.
(R.T.M, 4-3-23 (part))
6. Initial education stipend: An active volunteer firefighter or active volunteer fire police member
will receive points commensurate with certification in the courses listed below. Education
stipends will be issued in the quarter following certification and receipt of at least thirty points
during a fiscal year. |
Points awarded equal fifty percent of the course hours, The chart below provides the courses
and applicable points at the time of enactment.
The director of fire services retains the discretion to adjust points awarded based on the
formula above, should the course hours change.
Firefighters Courses
Emergency Medical Technician (204 hrs) .....102 points
41.
ahnithtanke

9/18/25, 4:13 PM
abnuthiant
(S-700 (4 hrs)
Waterford, CT Code of Ordinances
Firefighter 1 (168 hrs) .....84 points
Firefighter 2 (48 hrs) .....24 points
Fire Officer 1 (96 hrs) .....48 points
Fire Officer 2 (80 hrs) .....40 points
Fire Officer 3 (56 hrs) .....28 points
Fire Officer 4 (56 hrs) .....28 points
Incident Safety Officer (24 hrs) .....12 points
Health and Safety Officer (24 hrs) .....12 points
Fire Service instructor 1 (48 hrs) .....24 points
Fire Service Instructor 2 (40 hrs) .....20 points
Q or CDL Endorsement (32 hrs) .....16 points
Aerial Operator (48 hrs) .....24 points
Pump Operator (48 hrs) .....24 points
Rescue Techniclan-CORE (48 hrs) .....24 points
Confined Space Rescue Technician (56 hrs) .....28 points
Rope Rescue Technician (64 hrs) .....32 points
Vehicle Rescue Technician (48 hrs) .....24 points
Trench Rescue Technician (56 hrs) .....28 points
Haz-Mat Rescue Technician (40 hrs) .....20 points
Fire Police Courses
Traffic Incident Management (6 hrs) .....3 points
Hazardous Material Awareness (8 hrs) .....4 points
1CS-100 (2 hrs) .....1 point
ICS-200 (4 hrs) .....2 points
hese 2 points
124

9/18/25, 4:13 PM Waterford, CT Code of Ordinances
(R.T.M. 4-3-23 (part))
7. ineligibility due to misconduct or separation from Waterford Fire Department: The ordinance
codified in this section incorporates by reference, the Waterford Fire Department Disciplinary
Procedures Policy, as may be amended from time to time.
In the event that the director of fire services decides to impose disciplinary action short of
termination against any active volunteer firefighter or active volunteer fire police member, the
director of fire services retains the discretion to suspend any active volunteer firefighter or
active volunteer fire police member from the program, as either the discipline or as a
component of the discipline. The director of fire services retains the discretion to determine
the status of any existing points (e.g., forfeited, retained) at the time of suspension.
Any active volunteer firefighter or active volunteer fire police member who is terminated from
volunteer service by the Town of Waterford immediately forfeits all points and is not eligible
for any stipend. The director of fire services and the human resources director shail evaluate
and determine, in their discretion, the eligibility for a stipend of an active volunteer firefighter
or active volunteer fire police member who voluntarily separated from volunteer service as of
the end of a quarter.
D. Funding and administration.
1. Funding:
a. Through its normal, annual budget process, the town shall determine whether or not to
fund the program and, if so, in what amount.
b. Any portion of the annual appropriation not expended during a fiscal year does not carry
over to the next fiscal year.
c. Should the total expenses for the program exceed the annual appropriation, then the
quarterly stipends for the then-current quarter will be prorated to reflect the total amount
available for distribution for that quarter. If the program exceeds the annual
appropriation in a quarter other than the last quarter of the fiscal year, the program may
be unfunded for quarters following the pro-rated quarter.
2. Modifications: Any modifications allowed under this section without an ordinance
amendment (e.g., change in the course hours or points) will be recorded in an annual
program update each July and maintained on file in the office of the director of fire services.
3, Termination: The town shall have the right through the RTM to terminate the program at any
time through the ordinance process.
(R.T.M. 4-3-23 (part)}
(Amend. of 4-3-23(1); Amend. of 10-5-20(4))
about:blank 13/4

9/18/25, 4:13 PM Waterford, CT Code of Ordinances
Footnotes:
1 The implementation date of the initial education stipends for Emergency Medical Technician, Firefighter 1,
and Firefighter 2 courses shall be retroactive to July 1, 2020.
about:blank 14/14

Sept 19, 2025
Mr. Paul Goldstein, Moderator
Representative Town Meeting
Waterford, CT 06385
RE: Final Report Fire Services Review Special Committee dated Ju
Dear Mr. Moderator and Members of the RTM,
f would like to thank Chairman Tuneski and the Committee memb
hard work in putting together this report.
The charter of the new committee was “to review issues inclu
performance, policies, and staffing and present their fin
a5]
ly 2025
ers for their years of
ding
alin s/
recommendations of any changes needed to enhance public safety,
creating a steering document and strategic plan”.
| had anticipated a document such as the “Task Force 95 Systeme
for the Waterford Fire Commission by the Long Range Planning Co
Feb.17, 1994”. The very detailed report covered the following topic:
Strengths
Weaknesses
Threats
Recommendations
So 8 8
Analysis prepared
mmmittee dated
| expected this Committee to at least list the Weaknesses and Threats and then come
back with a stron