Representative Town Meeting (RTM) - Minutes - 02/11/2026

FIFTEEN ROPE FERRY ROAD
WATERFORD, CT 06385-2886
PHONE: 860-442-0553
wiewivalerfordcLorg
Public Protection & Safety Committee
t
1. Call to order: Chair Sullivan called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. Pledge of allegiance
3. Roll call:
Members Present: Tim Sullivan, Kathy Nunes Peterson, Kathy Mullen Kohl, Kathleen Elbaum, Tim Condon (phone)
Also Present: WPD Chief Balestracci, Lt. Ferland and Lt. Flanagan; Susan Driscoll-RTM, Steve Besade-RTM
4. Public Comment: Speaking in favor of Mass Gatherings ordinance review: Kathleen Jacques (see agenda for
comments); Yvonne Sims; Bonnie Fenn Sullivan; and Tina DuBosque (see attached). Chief Balestracci briefly
discussed working with the group that applied for a mass gathering license last year and arranging for police
presence and certain other accommodations required by the town to be provided free of charge before the
application was rejected.
5. Previous Minutes: Motion by Condon, second by Nunes Peterson, to approve the July 21, 2025, minutes as
presented.
Voice vote: 4-Yes 0-No 1-Abstain (Elbaum) Motion passed.
6. Consideration of/possible action on items referred to committee:
A. Street Takeovers and Enforcement Cameras (RTC 8/4/25): WPD Chief Balestracci, Lt. Ferland and Lt. Flanagan
showed news videos of dangerous street takeovers in several CT towns. They explained that while last year’s
ATV ordinances were spurred by the rash of ATV takeovers, with injuries and a death, in nearby towns, we
have nothing on the books to discourage and protect against the new takeover events that involve (mostly)
legally registered cars and vehicles. They distributed copies (attached) of Danbury, New Britain, Groton, and
Sterling ordinances.
The Chief stressed that the Board of Police Commissioners has no immediate plans to apply for state
approval for the use and placement of traffic enforcement cameras. But results coming in from the ten or
so towns that have them in place are showing a reduction in speeding violations within a few weeks of the
initial fines being issued and paid. He noted that state laws prevent the fine revenue generated by such
cameras from being used for anything other than traffic safety and road repairs. He acknowledged that
many have privacy concerns about the cameras’ use, but explained that the Board already has a privacy
policy in place that prohibits sharing identifying information—gathered, for example, with traffic stops and
speed radar--with other states or federal agencies. He expressed confidence that policy would extend to
enforcement cameras, if the Board pursued that option, and added that several towns have reset their
cameras so broad sharing isn’t possible. When asked about potential use in school zones, he offered his
opinion that if the Board were to go with cameras, the most effective location would be the high-speed,
high-traffic section of Rt 32, where it is difficult for cruisers to stop and pursue violators. The Lieutenants
distributed copies of Enforcement Cameras ordinances from the towns of Washington and Middletown.

PP&S Feb. 11, 2026 Minutes page 2 of 2
B. Review of assigned duties to Director of Fire Services (RTC 6/3/24): Condon explained the intent was to
codify that the Director’s duties reflected statutory provisions for Fire Chiefs and promised to provide a copy
of the previous committee’s draft language.
C. Review of Mass Gathering ordinance, Chptr 9.08 (RTC 2/2/26): Brief discussion by members on the one-size-
fits-all requirements in current ordinances and commenters’ suggestions on neighboring towns’ multiple
categories of assemblies and alternative application requirements based on the purpose, crowd size and
duration of the event. Complete Waterford, East Lyme, and New London Mass Gatherings ordinances to be
provided for review before the next meeting.
Motion by Nunes Peterson; second by Mullen Kohl to adjourn at 6:56 p.m, Voice vote: Unanimous.
Submitted by
Kathy Nunes Peterson, PP&S Committee
encl: DuBosque comments-Mass Gatherings
CT Street Takeover Ordinances (4)
CT Enforcement Cameras Ordinances (2)

February 11, 2026 DuBosque Public Comment
TO: Town of Waterford Public Protection and Safety Committee
lrequest that the Waterford, Connecticut, Municipal Code, Title 9- PUBLIC PEACE,
MORALS AND WELFARE, Chapter 9.08 - MASS GATHERINGS be reviewed and fully
rewritten, as you were tasked to at the February 2 Representative Town Meeting, in a timely
manner to better reflect the times in which we live, to enable a reasonable and prompt
process for permitting people to assemble in peaceful, lawful, non-violent ways, which is
our United States Constitutional First Amendment Right, the Freedom of Religion, Speech,
Press, Assembly, and Petition.
Our neighbor to the east, the City of New London, has regulations applicable to large
gatherings.
| urge you, our elected leaders, to review The City of New London's Code of Ordinances,
Chapter 18, ARTICLE VI. - DEMONSTRATIONS AND SPECIAL EVENTS, which follows below,,
and take their approach to heart when restructuring the Town of Waterford’s Municipal
Code, Title 9.
Respectfully submitted, en
Tina DuBosque i ne lY
Quaker Hilt
City of New London, Connecticut, Code of Ordinances, Chapter 18, Article VI, -
Demonstrations and Special Events
ARTICLE Vi. - DEMONSTRATIONS AND SPECIAL EVENTS
To create an ordinance permitting and regulating demonstrations and special events that
Demonstration is the gathering of ten (10) persons or more for the purpose of
demonstrating, speechmaking, marching and holding of vigils where such gathering shall
be held upon any street, side walk or other public place under the control of the town.
Demonstrations and special events may be held pursuant to a permit issued in accordance
with the provisions of this article
A person seeking issuance of a demonstration or special event permit shall file an
application with the city manager at the municipal building on forms provided by such
office.
(a}
Filing period.
(1)
An application for a demonstration or special event permit shail be fited in writing with the
city manager not less than ten (10) days in advance of any proposed demonstration or
special event.
pg 1 of 4

(2)
Applications shall be received during the regular business hours, Monday through Friday,
holidays excepted.
(3)
All demonstration and special event applications shall be deemed granted subject to ail
limitations and restrictions applicable untess denied within five (5) days of receipt.
(b)
Contents.
(1)
Name, address, telephone number of person in charge of seeking to conduct such
demonstration or special event.
(2)
If conducted for or on behalf of, or by an organization, authorized and responsible heads or
organization.
(3)
Date and time of demonstration or special event.
(4)
Route to be traveled, starting and termination point.
(5)
Approximate number of persons, animals or vehicles involved.
(6)
Number of hours of demonstration or special event.
(7}
Demonstration or special event to occupy all or portion of street.
(8) _
Assembly point of the demonstration or special avent,
‘Q)
Purpose of such demonstration or special event.
(c)
Permit fee.
(1)
There shall be no permit fee.
(2)
The applicant shall indemnify and hold harmless the city or any of its officers, agents,
servants or employees from any liability or causes of action which might arise by reason of
granting the permit and from any cost incurred in cleaning up any waste material produced
or left by the assembly.
(3)
The applicant shall guarantee the city the payment of any expenses which may accrue as a
result of the gathering.
(4)
The applicant shall post a bond if deemed necessary.
Sec. 18-104. - Standards for Issuance.
pg 2 of 4

The city manager shall issue a permit unless from a consideration of the application he
finds:
{a}
An approved prior application for the same time and place has been received; in which
case, an alternate site, if available, may be proposed by the city manager.
(b)
It reasonably appears the proposed time and/or place will substantially interrupt the safe
and orderly movement of vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic.
(c)
it reasonably appears that the participants in the proposed demonstration or special event
will by force or threat or force willfully injure, intimidate or interfere with, or attempt to
injure, intimidate or interfere with any person or class of persons participating in or enjoying
any benefit, service, privilege, right, program, facility or activity provided or administered by
the United States or receiving federal financial assistance, or by any state or subdivision
thereof.
Sec. 18-105. - Structures.
in connection with permitted demonstrations or special events, temporary structures
(including speakers stand, platforms, lecterns, chairs, portable sanitation facilities, press
and news facilities) shall be permitted.
(a)
All temporary structures must conform with the regulations of the zoning board and
building inspector's office.
(b)
Reasonable restrictions upon temporary structures will be in the best interest of protecting
the area involved and traffic and public safety considerations.
(c}
All temporary structures must upon twenty four (24) hours' notice, be capable of being
removed and the site restored.
(d)
Sound or amplifying systems shall be allowed if approved.
Sec. 18-106. - Notice of rejection.
The city manager may direct the chief of police to investigate and recommend approval ar
disapproval of the application, stating the reasons therefor.
Sec. 18-107. - Notice of revocation.
Any such revocation prior to the demonstration or special event, shall be in writing and
approved by the city manager or his designee and shall state the reasons for revocation.
Sec, 18-108. - Appeal procedure.
Any person aggrieved shall have the right to appeal the denial or revocation of a
demonstration or special event permit to the city council through the city manager. The
pg 3 of 4

notice of appeal shall be in writing and filed within five (5) days after the application
revocation or rejection.
Sec, 18-109. - Further appeal.
Any person aggrieved by the denial or revocation of the demonstration or special event
permit may appeal to the superior court provided such appeal is taken within five (5) days
of such denial or revocation.
Sec. 18-110. - Pubtic conduct during demonstrations or special events.
(a)
No fire arms or dangerous weapons of any kind may be possessed, either exposed or
concealed, by any participant in the demonstration or special event or by any person
affiliated with and present upon any public street or other public place.
{b)
“Dangerous weapon" shall be defined as any device designed or capable of being used to
inflict serious injury upon person or property, including, but not limited to flrearms, knives
of any kind or type having a blade in excess of three (3) inches in length, razors, and razor
blades, metallic knuckles, clubs, blackjacks and night-sticks, dynamite, cartridges,
bombs, grenades, mines and other powerful liquid or solid explosives and loaded canes.
(c)
The restrictions upon fire arms and weapons shall not apply to persons acting lawfully and
within their scopes of duties and authority.
(d)
The chief of police, upon notification from the city manager, shall have the authority to
prohibit or restrict the parking of vehicles along a highway or part thereof consisting ofthe
demonstration or special event route, and it shall be untawful for any person to park or
leave unattended any vehicle in violation thereof. The chief of police shalt post signs to
such effect. ,
Sec. - Penalty.
Any person, firm or corporation charged with violation of any of the provisions of this article
may, upon conviction, be fined in an amount not exceeding one hundred ($100.00) Each
day such violation is committed or permitted to continue, shall constitute a separate
offense and shail be punishable as such hereunder.
pg 4 of 4

ORDINANCE
CITY OF DANBURY, STATE OF CONNECTICUT
CITY COUNCIL
2026
Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Danbury:
That the Code of Ordinances of Danbury, Connecticut is hereby amended by adding to Chapter
44, entitled “Street Takeovers,” consisting of one (1) new section, which said sections read as
follows:
SEC, 46-6. Street Takeovers.
(a) Generally. This ordinance is enacted pursuant to Connecticut Public Act 25-80, in order
to protect public safety, preserve the orderly use of public highways and parking areas, and deter
illegal street takeovers in the City of Danbury.
(b) Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings
described herein, unless the context clearly indicates that a different meaning is intended.
Street Takeover: As defined in C.G.S. § 14-224(c)(1), “Street Takeover” shall mean, the
unauthorized occupation of any portion of a public highway or parking area by blocking or
impeding the regular flow of traffic with the intent to cause disorder or create a nuisance for
other users of such highway or parking area.
Participant. Any person who organizes, promotes, participates in, or gathers with intent
to observe and actually observe a street takeover in the City of Danbury.
(c) Prohibited Conduct. No person shall organize, promote, participate in, or gather to
observe and actually observe a street takeover within the City of Danbury.
(d) Penalties. Pursuant to Public Act 25-80 and C.G.S § 14-224(g)(), as amended by Public
Act 25-80, any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be subject to criminal
penalties and/or at the election of the municipal enforcement authority, a fine in the amount of
one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) for a first violation, one thousand five hundred dollars
($1,500.00) for a second violation and two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) for a third or
subsequent violation.
(e) Vehicle Seizure. Any vehicle used in violation of this section shall be impounded until:
i. the fine imposed pursuant to Section (d) is paid; and
ii. any related charges, including but not limited to, towing and storage fees, are paid;
and
iii, any overdue property taxes on such vehicle imposed pursuant to Chapter 203 of the
general statutes are paid.
1 of 2

63) Forfeiture and Destruction of Forfeited Vehicles. The impounded vehicle shall be
deemed forfeited to the City of Danbury if, after six months following such impoundment, and
notice to the owner or lienholder pursuant to Section (g), the owner or lienholder of such
vehicle has failed to pay such fines and related charges. Any vehicle forfeited pursuant to the
provisions of this section shall be sold at public auction conducted by the City, or destroyed.
The proceeds of such sale shall be deposited in the General Fund of the City.
(g) Notice. No vehicle shall be forfeited under the provisions of this subsection to the
extent of the interest of an owner or lienholder by reason of any act or omission committed by
another person, if such owner or lienholder did not know and could not have reasonably known
that such vehicle was being used, or was intended to be used in violation of this section, and
such owner or lienholder collects the vehicle and pays all fines, costs and taxes as set forth in
Section (e) not later than six months after the date that the municipality: (1) posts notice on the
municipality’s website indicating that such vehicle, shall be forfeited if not collected within a
six (6) month period, and (2) mails such notice to such owner or lienholder.
(h) = Enforcement. The enforcement authority pursuant to this section shall be deemed to be
the Danbury Police Department.
@) ~~ Hearing/Payment Process. A person against whom an assessment or fine has been
entered, or the owner/lienhoider of the vehicle seized pursuant to Section (f), shall be entitled
to a Hearing in accordance with the procedures set forth in Chapter 2 Section 2.3 of this Code.
EFFECTIVE DATE: This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after publication, as
provided by law and section 3-10 of the Charter of the City of Danbury. Adopted by the City
Council on January 6, 2026; Approved by Mayor Roberto L. Alves on January 7, 2026. ATTEST:
S/S Elisa Etcheto, Legislative Assistant.
2 of 2

New Britain Street Takeovers
ARTICLE VIL - MOTOR SCOOTERS, DIRT BIKES, MINIBIKES, POCKET
BIKES, BICYCLES WITH HELPER MOTORS, ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES!
Footnotes:
= (7)
Editor's note Res. No. 36896-2, adopted Sept. 18, 2025, repeated the former Art. Vil, §§ 15-147—15-149, and enacted a new Art. Vi, §§ 15-
147—15-150. Due to the fact that § 15-150 already exists in the Code in Art. Vill, and at the editor's discretion, § 15-150 of Res. No. 36896-2 was
renumbered as § 15-149.1, as set out herein. The former Art. Vil pertained to motor scaaters, minibikes, pocket bikes, bicycles with helper motors
and derived from Ord. No. 28181-2, adopted Sept. 14, 2004; Res. No. 28659-2, adopted Aug. 18, 2005; Res. No. 33671-2, adopted Dec. 22, 2016;
and Res. No. 34304-2, adopted July 18, 2018.
Sec. 15-147. - Definitions.
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in
this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
All-terrain vehicle shall mean a self-propelled vehicle designed to travel over unimproved terrain as defined in
G,S. § 14-379 and which has been determined by the commissioner of motor vehicles to be unsuitable for
operation on the public roads, including, but not limited to, utility terrain vehicles.
Dirt bike shal] mean a two-wheeled motorized recreational vehicle designed to travel over unimproved terrain
and not designated to travel on a public road, as defined in G.S. § 14-1. Dirt bike does not include an all-terrain
vehicle as defined in G.S. § 14-379 or motor-driven cycle as defined in G.S. § 14-1.
Motor-driven cycle means any motorcycle, motor scooter, or bicycle with an attached motor which has a
manufactured seat height not less than twenty-six (26) inches and is propelled by an engine having a piston
displacement of less than fifty (50) c.c.
Motor scooter, minibike, pocket bike, mini-cycles, mini sport bikes, mini motorcycles, chopper scooters, and any
other similar wheeled vehicle or bicycle designed for the transport of one (1) or more persons which is powered
by any type of motor, except:
(1) Any motorcycle or motorized bicycle as defined in state statutes.
(2) Any vehicle registered as a motor vehicle by the registrar of motor vehicles or lawfully exempt from such
registration.
(3) Any wheelchair used by a person with physical disabilities or any similar mobility-assisting device used by a
person whose ambulatory mobility has been impaired by age, illness or physical ailment, or electric personal
assistive mobility devices.
(4) Any self-propelled snow plows, snow blowers and lawn mowers when used for the purposes for which they
were designed and operated at speeds not exceeding four (4) miles per hour.
(5) Any moped or scooter which meets Federal Department of Transportation and State department of
transportation guidelines for on-road transportation and whose owner's manual specifically indicates an ability to
be driven on public roads.
(6) Any vehicle owned or leased by the City of New Britain.
(7) These exceptions do not apply to subsection 15-148(b).
Snowmobile shall mean any self-propelled vehicle designed for travel on snow or ice.
Street takeover shall mean taking over a portion of a public highway or parking area by blocking or impeding the
regular flow of traffic with intent to cause disorder or create a nuisance for other users of such highway or
parking area.
(Res. No. 36896-2, 9-18-25)
pg 1 of 2

Sec. 15-148. - Operations prohibited.
(a) Pursuant to G.S. §§ 7-148a, 14-390 and 14-390m and notwithstanding any other provisions of this Code,
any person who operates any motor scooter, minibike, pocket bike, bicycle with a helper motor, mini-motorcycle,
dirt bike, ail-terrain vehicle, or snowmobile on any portion of any public or private street shown on the official map
of the city, and/or any public property, including sidewalks, playgrounds and parks within the City of New Britain
or on watershed property owned by the city and located in another municipality shall be fined one thousand
dollars ($1,000.00) for a first violation, one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500.00) for a second violation and
two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) for a third or subsequent violation,
(b) Pursuant to G.S. §§ 7-148a, 14-390 and 14-390m and notwithstanding any other provisions of this Code,
any person who operates any vehicle, motor scooter, minibike, pocket bike, bicycle with a helper motor, mini-
motorcycle, dirt bike, all-terrain vehicle, snowmobile on any watershed property in the city or any watershed
property owned by the city and located in another municipality shail be fined one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) for
a first violation, one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500.00) for a second violation and two thousand dollars
($2,000.00) for a third or subsequent violation.
(c) Any vehicle which is in violation of subsection (a) and (b) shall be subject to seizure and forfeiture by the
city subject to any bona-fide lien, lease or security interest in said vehicle including, but not limited to, a lien
under G.S. § 14-66c. No seizure and forfeiture may take place if the violation was committed by a third party and
the owner or lienholder did not know and could have not reasonably known that the vehicie was being used in
violation of this section and such owner or lienholder collects such vehicle not later than ninety (90) days after
the date, whichever is later, that the city (1) posts notice on its website indicating that such vehicle shall be
forfeited if not collected within such ninety-day period, and (2) mails such notice to such owner or lienholder.
(d) Any vehicle seized and forfeited pursuant to this section shall be sold at public auction conducted by the city
or destroyed by the municipality. The proceeds of such sale shall be paid to the city treasurer and deposited into
the general fund.
(e) Any person who rides as a passenger on any motor scooter operated in violation of the above shall be fined
fifty dollars ($50.00).
(Res. No. 36896-2, 9-18-25)
Sec. 15-149. - Sale of gasoline for illegal purposes.
(a) No retail dealer of gasoline shall sell, offer for sale, or attempt to sell, any article or product represented as
gasoline for use in an all-terrain vehicle, dirt bike, motor-driven cycle, mini-motorcycle, motor scooter, minibike,
mini-cycle, mini sports bike, chopper scooter or pocket bike as defined in section 15-147 of the Code of
Ordinances, unless that vehicle is conveyed to and from the retailer's premises by a registered motor vehicle as
defined in G.S. § 14-1, and no individual shall purchase or attempt to purchase gasoline for this purpose.
(b) Signs with the words "FUELING OF UNAUTHORIZED VEHICLES PROHIBITED" in English at least one (1)
inch in height with a contrasting margin shall be posted at all dispensing locations. The location of warning signs
shall be based on local conditions but shall be visible and legible from all gas pumps.
(c) Section 15-149 shall be enforced by the New Britain Police Department.
(d) An individual or retail dealer of gasoline who violates any provision of subsections (a) or (b) shall be fined
two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) for each offense.
(Res. No. 36896-2, 9-18-25)
See. 15-149.1. - Street takeovers prohibited.
(a) Pursuant to Public Act No, 25-80, effective October 1, 2025, no person shall organize, participate in or
gather with intent fo observe and actually observing a street takeover. Any person who violates this section shall
be fined one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) for a first violation, one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500.00) for a
second violation and two thousand ($2,000.00) for a third violation.
(b) Any vehicle which is used in violation of subsection (a), shall be impounded by the city until any fine
imposed pursuant to this section and any related charges, including, but not limited to, towing fees and overdue
property taxes are paid.
(c) Any vehicle which is used in violation of subsection (a) is deemed forfeited to the municipality if, after six (6)
months following such impoundment, the owner or lienholder has failed to pay such fines and related charges.
(Res. No. 36896-2, 9-18-25) pg 2 of 2

[Ord. No. 297, 1-7-2025; codified in Town Code Chapter 11 Motor Vehicles and Traffic]
https://www.groton-ct.gov/news detail T8 R729.php
Ordinance To Enact Additional Penalties For
Participating In Street Takeovers
Be it ordained and enacted by the Town of Groton under authority of the Groton Town Charter and
Connecticut General Statutes, Sections 7-148 and 14-379, et seq.:
ARTICLE I: FINDINGS
It is found that the operation of motorbikes, all-terrain vehicles and similar off-road vehicles can result in
serious bodily injury or death, can be a public nuisance to residents and landowners, a breeding ground
of trespass and property damage, and be dangerous to the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of
the Town of Groton.
ARTICLE Il: DEFINITIONS:
(a) “Town” means the Town of Groton.
(b) "All-terrain vehicle" means a self-propelled vehicle designed to travel over unimproved terrain and
which has been determined by the State of Connecticut Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to be
unsuitable for operation on the public highways and is not eligible for registration under chapter 246.
(c) “Mini-motorcycle” means a vehicle that (1) has not more than three wheels in contact with the
ground, (2) has a manufactured seat height of less than twenty-six inches measured at the lowest point
on top of the seat cushion without the rider, and (3) is propelled by an engine having a piston
displacement of less than 50 c.c.
(d) “C.G.S.” means Connecticut General Statues.
(e) “Dirt bike” means a two-wheeled motorized recreational vehicle designed to travel over unimproved
terrain and not designed for travel on a highway as defined in Connecticut General Statutes Section 14-
1.
() “Motorcycle” means a two- or three-wheeled motor vehicle capable of transporting or carrying one or
more persons, such as a dirt bike, trail bike, motor-cross, endurance, or a flat-track.
(g) “Operate,” unless otherwise provided, means to control the course or otherwise use.
(h) “Owner,” unless otherwise provided, means the owner of the all-terrain vehicle. (i) “Street Takeover,”
means taking over a portion of a public highway or parking area by blocking or impeding the regular
flow of traffic with intent to cause disorder or create a nuisance for other users of such highways or
parking area.
ARTICLE Ill: EXEMPTIONS
The provisions of this Ordinance shall not apply (1) to the operation of an all-terrain vehicle, a mini-
motorcycle, or a motorcycle on premises owned or leased by the owner of such vehicle (except that
Article IV(d) and (e) and Article VI shall apply); (2) to the operation of an all-terrain vehicle, a mini-
motorcycle, or a motorcycle, in any organized contest as long as such vehicle holds a valid, effective
registration awarded by Connecticut or by another state or the United States; (3) to a motorized cart
used in the ordinary course of the game of golf or in the care of an active golf course; (4) to an
automated chair designed for handicap use, such as an automated or motor-propelled wheelchair; (5)
to an ATV or maintenance vehicle when used in the movement of snow on the vehicle owner’s driveway
or on-site parking lot; and (6) to state or municipal governmental and public safety use.
This Ordinance shall apply to registered motorcycles only when they are being used off-road for
recreational purposes.
pg tof2

ARTICLE IV: PROHIBITION OF USE.
(a) No person shail operate an all-terrain vehicle, mini-motorcycle, or motorcycle upon any public
highway or parking area for in any race, contest, demonstration of speed or skill or street takeover.
ARTICLE V: REQUIREMENT TO GARRY VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND WRITTEN LANDOWNER’S
PERMISSION; FINE, CONFISCATION AND FORFEITURE.
The use of an all-terrain vehicle, mini-motorcycle, or motorcycle, on private land without the owner’s
permission constitutes unlawful trespass and is prohibited. The written permission of the private
landowner or his agent shall be carried on such vehicle and shall be available for inspection whenever
such vehicle is being operated.
No person operating an all-terrain vehicle shall refuse upon request to produce to an authorized law
enforcement officer the written permission of the private landowner or his agent upon whose property
such all-terrain vehicle is being operated. Any person acting in violation of this Ordinance shall pay, in
addition to any towing charges, storage fees or any other costs or expenses that may have been
incurred as a result of the vehicle being impounded, a fine of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) for the first
offence, One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($1,500) for a second offence, and Two Thousand Dollars
($2,000) for a third and each subsequent offense.
Without limitation, any person acting in violation of this ordinance where such violation causes damage
to private or municipal property, the person shall be liable for civil damages to fully repair or replace the
same, This includes damage to trees, shrubs, open space, fences or other property.
In addition to any fine herein, any all-terrain vehicle, a mini-motorcycle, or a motorcycle used in violation
of this Ordinance shall become subject to impoundment, and to confiscation by and forfeiture to the
Town. The Groton Police Department or any authorized State Police officer is hereby authorized to
confiscate any all-terrain vehicle, a mini-motorcycle, or a motorcycle used in violation of this Ordinance,
and to hold same as evidence in any related criminal proceeding, pending disposition. If the Town
confiscates an all-terrain vehicle, mini-motorcycle, or a motorcycle used to violate this ordinance, it
shall conduct the procedure set forth in Connecticut General Statutes Section 54-33g, and sell it at a
municipally conducted public auction. The sale proceeds shall be paid to the municipal treasurer for
deposit into the municipality's general fund. Notwithstanding, the sale proceeds shall first be used to
satisfy any bona fide lien, lease, or security interest {including a lien for towing and storing a vehicle).
Proof that said ail-terrain vehicie, a mini-motorcycle, or a motorcycle (i) was stolen from the owner at
the time of such violation, (ii) was due to someone else's act or omission if the owner or lienholder did
not know, and could not have reasonably known, that the all-terrain vehicle was used or was intended
to be used in violation of a municipal ordinance, shall be a defense to the confiscation and forfeiture of
the all-terrain vehicle, a minimotorcycle, or a motorcycle. In no event shall any confiscated all-terrain
vehicle, a mini-motorcycle, or a motorcycle be held for longer than a period of six (6) months.
Any such vehicle impounded only may be released to the owner upon proof of registration, subject to
payment of any and all fines, towing and storage fees.
ARTICLE VI. MISCELLANEOUS
Any conflict between any provision of this Ordinance and any provision of Chapter 255 of the General
Statutes shall be governed by the provision of said Chapter 255. Said ordinance shall become effective
in accordance with the Town Charter.
pg 2 of 2

DRAFT Street Takeover Ordinance
https:/www.sterlingct.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02182026-1343?htmi=true
ORDINANCE PROHIBITING STREET TAKEOVERS AND RELATED RECKLESS
ACTIVITIES
BE IT ORDAINED, that the Town of Sterling does hereby adopt the following ordinance:
§ -1. PURPOSE
The purpose of this ordinance is to promote the public health, safety, and welfare by prohibiting
and penalizing the organization, participation in, or spectating of street takeovers within the Town
of Sterling. Street takeovers pose a serious threat to public safety, interfere with the normal flow
of traffic, and disrupt community order. This ordinance is adopted pursuant to the authority granted
by Public Act 25-80.
§ -2. DEFINITIONS
For this ordinance, the following definitions shall apply:
A. “All-terrain vehicle’ means a_ self-propelled vehicle designed to travel over
unimproved terrain and which has been determined by the State of Connecticut
Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to be unsuitable for operation on the public
highways and is not eligible for registration under Chapter 246 of the Connecticut General
Statutes.
B. “Dirt bike” means a two-wheeled motorized recreational vehicle designed to
travel over unimproved terrain and not designed for travel on a highway as defined in
Connecticut General Statutes § 14-1.
C. “Mini-motorcycle” means a vehicle that (1) has not more than three wheels in
contact with the ground, (2) has a manufactured seat height of less than twenty-six
inches measured at the lowest point on top of the seat cushion without the rider, and
(3) is propelled by an engine having a piston displacement of less than 50 c.c.
D. “Motorcycle” means a two- or three-wheeled motor vehicle capable of transporting
or carrying one or more persons, such as a dirt bike, trail bike, motor-cross,
endurance, or a flat-track.
E. “Participate” means to operate or ride in a vehicle involved in a street takeover.
F. “Organize” means to arrange, promote, or facilitate a street takeover event, including through
social media or other communication platforms.
G. “Spectate” means to be present at the location of a street takeover and observe the event,
regardless of whether they arrived intending to do so.
H. “Street Takeover” means the unlawful and willful act of impeding or blocking the normal flow
of traffic on a public street, highway, or parking lot to engage in, facilitate, or spectate activities
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DRAFT Street Takeover Ordinance
such as reckless driving, vehicle stunts, street racing, burnouts, doughnuts, or any similar
activity.
§ -3. PROHIBITED CONDUCT
It shal! be unlawful for any person to:
A. Organize, promote, facilitate, or participate in a street takeover.
B. Recklessly operate a motor vehicle during a street takeover.
C. Attend or spectate a street takeover with the intent to observe or encourage the event.
D. Without limitation, any person acting in violation of this ordinance where such
violation causes damage to private or municipal property, the person shall be liable
for civil damages to fully repair or replace the same. This includes damage to trees,
shrubs, open space, fences or other property.
§ -4. PENALTIES
A. Fines:
1. First offense: Fine not exceeding $1,000
2. Second offense: Fine not exceeding $1,500
3. Each subsequent offense: Fine not exceeding $2,000
B. Vehicle Seizure and Forfeiture:
1. In addition to any fine herein, any all-terrain vehicle, mini-motorcycle, or
motorcycle used in violation of this Ordinance shall become subject to
impoundment, and to confiscation by and forfeiture to the Town of Sterling . The First
Selectman or any authorized State Police officer is hereby authorized to confiscate
any all-terrain vehicle, mini-motorcycle, or motorcycle used in violation of this
Ordinance, and to hold same as evidence in any related criminal proceeding,
pending disposition.
2. Ifthe Town of Sterling confiscates an all-terrain vehicle, mini-motorcycle, or motorcycle
used in violation of this ordinance, it may conduct the procedure set
forth in Connecticut General Statutes § 54-33g and sell it at a municipally conducted
public auction.
3. If the Town of Sterling confiscates a dirt bike, mini-motorcycle, or other similar
unauthorized vehicle, and such vehicle remains unclaimed for more than 90 days, the Town
of Sterling may destroy the vehicle in accordance with state law.
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DRAFT Street Takeover Ordinance
4. Vehicles used in repeated offenses may be forfeited to the State of Connecticut under
applicable law.
5. Any vehicle impounded only may be released to the owner upon proof of
registration, subject to payment of any and all fines, towing and storage fees
§ -5. ENFORCEMENT
The First Selectman and the Connecticut State Police shall be authorized to enforce the provisions
of this ordinance. Officers may issue citations, seize vehicles, and initiate proceedings for license
suspension, vehicle forfeiture, and vehicle destruction in accordance with applicable law.
§ -6. SEVERABILITY
If any provision of this ordinance is found to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent
jurisdiction, such provision shall be severed, and the remainder of the ordinance shall remain in
full force and effect.
§ -7. EFFECTIVE DATE
This ordinance shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication in accordance with the
Connecticut General Statutes.
NOTE ADDED by S. Driscoll—-Sterling Board of Selectman Feb 18, 2026, meeting agenda...
Update on Draft; Town does not have its own police department and relies on CT State Police.
Attorney to determine whether town needs to provide an entity to enforce the ordinance.
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Chapter 70 TRAFFIC CODE Washington, CT Enforcement Cameras
Sec. 70.01 Use of Automated Traffic Enforcement Safety Devices.
Pursuant to the authority granted in and by Connecticut General Statutes (CGS) 14-307c, the so-called
ATESD Act (the "Act" ) as such statute may be from time to time amended, the Town of Washington
(the "Town") does hereby authorize the deployment and use of Automated Traffic Enforcement Safety
Devices (alternately referred to as "ATESD";"Device": "Devices", "Apparatus") at locations identified in
a plan submitted to and approved by the Connecticut Department of Transportation ("Conn.DOT”) within
school zones, pedestrian safety zones, and other places within the boundaries of Washington,
Connecticut.
Sec. 70.02. Definitions.
For the purposes of this ordinance and as authorized by the Act, the following words, terms, and phrases
used in this ordinance shall have the meanings and definitions ascribed to them in said CGS 14-307c and
as follows:
(a) Automated traffic enforcement safety device ("ATESD") means a Device or Apparatus designed
to detect and collect evidence of alleged traffic violations by recording images that capture the number
plate, date, time, and location of a motor vehicle that (i) exceeds the posted speed limit by ten (10) or
more miles per hour or (i) fails to stop such vehicle when facing a steady red signal on a traffic control
signal.
b Automated traffic enforcement safety device operator ("Operator") means and is a person who
Pp ip Pp
is trained and certified to operate an automated traffic enforcement safety device. (c) Code means the
Washington Connecticut Code of Ordinances
(d) Pedestrian safety zone means an area designated by the Office of State Traffic
Administration or the Washington Traffic Authority ("Traffic Authority" ) pursuant to CGS 14-307a.
(ec) Personally identifiable information means information created or maintained by the Town or a vendor
that identifies or describes an owner and includes, without limitation, the owner's address, telephone
number, number plate, photograph, bank account, credit and/or debit card number, or the date, time,
location, or direction of travel on a highway.
(g) Driver, number plate and owner have the same meanings as ascribed to those words as provided in
and by CGS section 14-1.
(h) School zone means an area designated by the Office of State Traffic Administration or the Traffic
Authority pursuant to CGS § 14-212b,
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(i) Traffic authority is the Brad of Selectman, traffic control sign, and traffic control signal all have
the same meanings as provided in CGS 14-297,
G@) Vendor means a person or entity that provides services to the Town pursuant to this ordinance and
operates, maintains, leases, or licenses Apparatus, or is authorized to review and assemble the recorded
images captured by an ATESD device and forward such recorded images to the Town.
Sec. 70-03. Vendors.
The Town may enter into contracts with vendors for the design, installation, operation, or maintenance, or
any combination thereof, ofA pparatus and ATESD services. If a vendor designs, instalis, operates, or
maintains a Device, the vendor's fees may not be contingent on the number of citations issued or fines
levied or paid pursuant to this ordinance. Notwithstanding the Municipal Purchasing procedures set forth
in Title Ill, Chapter 32 of the Code, contracts may be solicited and awarded to vendors by employment of
the State of Connecticut bidding process, or by way of the processes and procedures of said Chapter 32 of
the Code. The vendor solicitation process employed shall be that selected by the Washington Purchasing
Authority in its sole discretion, In the event of a conflict between said Chapter 32 and this ordinance
relating to the purchase or lease of Apparatus and related services, the provisions of this ordinance shall
control. The ultimate selection of vendors and awarding of contracts shall be made by said Purchasing
Authority in consultation with the Commander of CSP Troop L or their designee. Al! contracts for such
Devices, and directly related ATESD services must be in writing. Notwithstanding any express or implied
term or provision of Chapter 32 to the contrary, the approval by the legislative body to permit the First
Selectman to execute all such contracts shall be granted at the time of the adoption hereof..
Sec. 70-04. Operation of Automated Traffic Enforcement Safety Devices (ATESDs). All
automated traffic enforcement safety devices shall be operated by an automated traffic
enforcement safety device operator.
Sec. 70-05. Violation.
(a) | The owner of a motor vehicle commits a violation of this ordinance if the person
operating such motor vehicle:
(1) Exceeds the posted speed limit by ten (10) or more miles per hour and such
operation is detected by an automated traffic enforcement safety device; or (2)
Fails to stop such motor vehicle when facing a steady red signal on a traffic control
signal and such failure is detected by an automated traffic enforcement safety
device.
(b) Automated traffic enforcement safety devices shall be used solely for identifying
violations of this ordinance.
(c) For the first thirty 0) days after a location is equipped with an operational Device, the
owner of a motor vehicle that allegedly violates this ordinance that is detected by such device
shall receive a written warning instead of a citation.
(a) Whenever an automated traffic enforcement safety device detects and produces recorded images of a
motor vehicle allegedly committing a violation of this ordinance, a sworn member or employee of the
Connecticut State Police, a sworn Washington Police Constable or such other Town employee
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designated by the Board of Selectman with the approval of the Commander of CSP Troop L or their
designee, shall review and approve the recorded images provided by such device. If, after such review,
the member or employee determines that there are reasonable grounds to believe that a violation
occurred, the member or employee may issue by first class mail a citation to the owner of such motor
vehicle
(b) A citation under this ordinance shall include the following:
(i) The name and address ofthe owner of the motor vehicle;
(ii) The number plate of the motor vehicle;
(iii) The violation charged;
(iv) The location of the automated traffic enforcement safety device and the date and
time of the violation;
(v) A copy of or information on how to view, through electronic means, the recorded
images that captured the alleged violation;
(vi) A statement or electronically generated affirmation by the member or employee who
viewed the recorded images and determined that a violation occurred;
(vii) Verification that the automated traffic enforcement safety device was operating
correctly at the time of the alleged violation and the date of the most recent
calibration check performed pursuant to the Public Act;
(viii) The amount ofthe fine imposed and how to pay such fine; and
(ix) The right to contest the violation and request a hearing pursuant to CGS 7152c.
(¢) lIn the case of an alleged violation involving a motor vehicle registered in Connecticut, the
citation shall be sent by first class mail not later than thirty (30) days after the identity
of the owner is determined and shall be mailed to the address of the owner that is in the
records of the Department of Motor Vehicles.
2. In the case of an alleged violation involving a motor vehicle registered in another jurisdiction, the
citation shall be sent by first class mai{ not Jater than thirty (30) days after the identity of the owner
is determined and shall be mailed to the address of the owner that is in any official record or the
Motor Vehicle Department in the other jurisdiction issuing such registration.
(d) A citation not mailed to an owner within sixty (60) days after the alleged violation shall
be invalid after the expiration of such time.
Sec. 70-06. Enforcement and Fine.
(a) This ordinance may be enforced by any sworn officer of the Connecticut State Police or a sworn
Town of Washington Police Constable such citation shall impose a fine against the owner of a motor
vehicle that commits a violation of this ordinance.
(b) The fine for a first violation of this ordinance shall be fifty dollars ($50.00). The fme for each
subsequent violation of this ordinance shall be seventy-five dollars (S75.00), These fines shall be
imposed against the owner of the motor vehicle committing a violation of this ordinance.
(c) Payment of a fine and any associated fees may be made by electronic means.
pg 3 of &

(d) A fifteen dollar ($15.00) fee shall be imposed for costs associated with the electronic processing of
the payment of a fine.
(e) Any funds received by the Town from fines imposed pursuant to this ordinance shall be used for
the purposes of improving transportation mobility, investing in transportation infrastructure
improvements, or paying the costs associated with the use of automated traffic enforcement safety
devices within the Town.
Sec. 70-07. Appeal.
Any owner issued a fine for violating the provisions of this ordinance may, within ten (1 O) days of the
receipt of the fine, appeal in writing to a citation hearing officer in accordance with CGS S 7-152c, the
provisions of which relating to hearing procedure are included herein, adopted and made a pert hereof by
reference.
Sec. 70-08. Defenses.
The defenses available to the owner of a motor vehicle that is alleged to have committed a
violation of this ordinance shall include, but are not limited to, any one or more of the
following:
(a) The operator was driving an emergency vehicle in accordance with the applicable provisions
of CGS ss 14-283,
(b) The traffic control signal was inoperative, which is observable on the recorded images.
(c) The violation was necessary for the operator to comply with an order or direction from a
Jaw enforcement officer, which is observable on the recorded images,
(d) The violation was necessary to allow the passage of an authorized emergency vehicle, which
is observable on the recorded images.
(€) The violation took place during a period of time in which the motor vehicle had been reported
as being stolen to a law enforcement unit, as defined in CGS 7-294a, and had not yet been
recovered prior to the time of the violation.
(f) The automated traffic enforcement safety device was not in compliance with the
calibration check required pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Act..
Sec. 70-08. Disclosure of Personally Identifiable Information.
(a) _No personally identifiable information shall be disclosed by the Town or a vendor to
any person or entity, including any law enforcement unit, except where the disclosure is
made in connection with the charging, collection, and enforcement of the fines imposed
pursuant to this ordinance.
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(b) No personally identifiable information shall be stored or retained by the Town or a
vendor unless such information is necessary for the charging, collection, and enforcement of
the fines imposed pursuant to this ordinance,
(c} | The Town or a vendor shall destroy all personally identifiable information and other
data that specifically identifies a motor vehicle and relates to a violation of this ordinance
not later than thirty 30) days after any fine is collected or the resolution of a hearing
conducted for the alleged commission of such violation, whichever is later.
(d) Any information and other data gathered from automated traffic enforcement safety
devices shall be subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, as defined in
CGS 1-200, except that no personally identifiable information may be disclosed.
Sec. 70-09. Compliance with CGS 14-307c and Savings Provision.
To the extent of applicability and/or in the event this ordinance omits any material statutory element or
requirement, the provisions of the Act that are necessary to further and/or effectuate this ordinance or to
render this ordinance compliant with the Act are hereby incorporated and adopted in toto, herein.
Sec. 70-10. Severability and Repealer.
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance is for any reason held to be
invalid or unconstitutional by any decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall
not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance. All ordinances, bylaws, orders,
resolutions, or parts thereof, inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed only to the extent of such
inconsistency. This repealer shall not be construed to revive any ordinances, bylaws, orders,
resolutions, or parts thereof, heretofore repealed.
Sec. 70-11. Amendment by operation of law
Should CGS 14-307c be amended or revised, then and in those