Representative Town Meeting (RTM) - Minutes - 08/04/2025

FIFTEEN ROPE FERRY ROAD
WATERFORD, CT 06385-2886
PHONE: 860-442-0553
www.waterfordct.org
MINUTES .
REPRESENTATIVE TOWN MEETING fy \
Regular Meeting mR
August 4, 2025
RTM Moderator Paul Goldstein called the August 4, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Representative Town
Meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Kyrah Augmon-Bossa (Speaker Phone), Michael Bono, Jennifer Bracciale, Erica Casper, Mary
Childs, Harry Colonis, Timothy Condon, Thomas J. Dembek, Susan Driscoll, Timothy Fioravanti (Speaker
Phone), Paul Goldstein, Kristen Gonzalez, Christina Jessuck, Lindsay Khan, Kate MacKenzie, Shawn
Monahan, Ursula Moreshead, Kayla Mullen, Kathleen Mullen Kohl, Theodore Olynciw, Danielle Steward-
Gelinas
ABSENT: Narciss Greene, Ryan Healy, Matt Keatley, David Sugrue
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS PRESENT: First Selectman Robert J Brule, Selectman Richard Muckle
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS ABSENT: Selectman Greg Attanasio, Board of Education Chair Pat Fedor, Board of
Finance Chair Glenn Patterson
ALSO PRESENT: Town Clerk David L. Campo; Town Attorney Robert Avena; Town Attorney Nicholas
Kepple; Director of Finance Kim Allen
AGENDA ITEM C—June 2, 2025 Minutes
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Moreshead, to approve the minutes with the following
correction noted by Town Clerk Campo: Board of Education Chair Pat Fedor was not in attendance, and
RTM Member Kayla Mullen abstained from ITEM 3 and 4; and the following correction offered by RTM
Member Lindsay Khan: RTM Member Lindsay Khan arrived after ITEM 7
VOTING IN FAVOR: Unanimous
CORRESPONDENCE:
Fleet Report and letter in regard to the town radio system from Finance Director Kim Allen. A request
from RTM Member Tim Condon in regard to fleet. Request from First Selectman Rob Brule requesting a
committee assignment to address a New Veteran’s Tax Exemption. Plan of Conservation status letter.
Committee Reports from Public Protection and Safety along with Public Health, Recreation and
Environment. RTM Member Tom Dembek submitted a The Day newspaper article in regard to the radio
system funds from the State Bond Commission. Police Chief Balestracci submitted correspondence in
regard to Committee referrals for street takeover and camera enforcement. Oswegatchie Fire Station
renovation estimate from OLYN Contracting Company. Democratic and Republican recommendations to
the Police Commission. Copies of correspondence can be obtained from the Office of the Town Clerk.
1 RTM MINUTES 08/04/2025

PUBLIC COMMENT
Resident David Holmes, 53 Upper Bartlett, Waterford, supports the passing of the All-Terrain vehicles
Ordinance. Tina DuBosque, 45 Wintergreen Dr, voiced her concerns that the RTM needs to interact with
the public regularly to inform. Resident Bryan Sayles, 54 Wintergreen Dr, Quaker Hill, spoke about the
Fire Services Review Special! Committee report. (See Attachment)
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee report received from Public Health, Recreation & Environment and Public Protection and
Safety. (See Attachment)
APPOINTEE & LIAISON REPORTS
Oswegatchie Fire Station appointee reports from Ted Olynciw were received. (See Attachment)
CALL ITEM 4 — Gardiner Family Foundation Donation
PRESENTATION: Finance Director Kim Allen
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Childs, to approve a request from Finance Director Kim Allen
to deposit a check for $15,000 from the Gardiner Family Foundation to be used for Youth & Family
Services student programs.
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
CALL ITEM 2 — Dominion Donation
PRESENTATION: Finance Director Kim Allen
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Childs, to approve a request from Finance Director Kim Allen
to deposit a check for $20,000 from Dominion Energy to be used for Waterford’s Summer Music and
Town Parade Events.
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
CALL ITEM 3 — Old Norwich Road Pump Station
PRESENTATION: Director of Utilities Jill Stevens
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Moreshead, to approve a recommendation to re-designate
existing appropriated funds from Line #20531-57816 (Old Norwich Road Pump Station) in the amount
of $125,000 to a new capital line for engineering services related to the capital requirements
surrounding the potential renewal of the Waterford/New London Inter-Local Water Agreement.
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
CALL ITEM 4: Great Neck Field improvement
PRESENTATION: Superintendent of Schools Thomas Giard
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Moreshead, to approve a recommendation from the Board of
Finance for an additional appropriation in the amount of $71,500 to Line #20560-57893 (Great Neck
Field Improvement} from the Unassigned Fund Balance of the General Fund.
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
CALL ITEM 5 — Great Neck Field Improvement
PRESENTATION: Superintendent of Schools Thomas Giard
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Mullen Kohl, to approve a recommendation from the Board
of Finance to appropriate $278,500 from designated Line# 20560-57893 (Great Neck Field
Improvement).
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
2 RTM MINUTES 08/04/2025

CALL ITEM 6 ~ Fire Services Review Special Committee's Final Report
Town Attorney Kepple advised the body that a consideration of postponement would allow time for
further review for the new Director and RTM Members. Also, noted that additional information was
needed to properly submit the report under Waterford Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2.04.090.
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Mullen Kohl, to postpone until the next special or regular
meeting.
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
CALL ITEM 7 ~ Qswegatchie Fire Station Building Committee Update
PRESENTATION: Fire Services Review Special Committee Chair Robert Tuneski, Director of Fire Services
Chris Haley
Power Point Presentation followed by questions and answers. (See Attachment).
MOTION by Colonis, seconded by Bono, to end discussion.
VOTING IN FAVOR: Bono, Bracciale, Casper, Colonis, Condon, Dembek, Goldstein, Jessuck, MacKenzie,
Monahan, Mullen, Olynciw, Steward-Gelinas.
VOTING AGAINST: Childs, Driscoll, Fioravanti, Gonzalez, Khan, Moreshead, Mullen Kohl
MOTION failed to get a 2/3rds to end discussion.
Discussion continued.
CALL ITEM 8 — Chapter 8.33 Open Burn
PRESENTATION: Public Protection and Safety Chairman Timothy Condon, Fire Marshall Stephen Dubicki,
Town Attorney Robert Avena
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Dembek, to approve a recommendation from the Public
Protection & Safety Standing Committee of the RTM to amend the Waterford Code of Ordinances by
adopting Chapter 8.33 — Open Burning. (See Attachment)
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
RTM Members Kyrah Augmon-Bossa & Kristen Gonzalez left.
CALL ITEM 9 ~ Chapter 10.10 All-Terrain Vehicles
PRESENTATION: Public Protection and Safety Chairman Timothy Condon, Chief of Police Marc
Balestracci, Town Attorney Robert Avena
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Dembek, to approve a recommendation from the Public
Protection & Safety Standing Committee of the RTM to amend the Waterford Code of Ordinances, by
adopting Chapter 10.10 - All Terrain Vehicles Ordinance. (See Attachment)
MOTION by Driscoll, seconded by Childs, to amend the ordinance by removing ordinance from the title.
MOTION TO AMEND PASSED: Unanimous
MAIN MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
CALL ITEM 10 ~ Amend Purchase and Sale Agreement with LEARN
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Bracciale, to approve a recommendation from the Board of
Selectmen to amend the town’s Purchase and Sale Agreement with LEARN to modify the purchase price
from $1.00 to $770,000 to enable LEARN to utilize its state funding to cover the approximate cost of the
Town’s building permit fees associated with the project.
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
3. RTM MINUTES 08/04/2025

CALL ITEM 11 — Police Commission Appointments
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Colonis, to nominate Mark Gelinas, 92R Butlertown Rd, to the
Police Commission. (Term 08/04/2025 — 08/06/2029)
MOTION by Driscoll, seconded by Childs, to nominate Tony Sheriden, 318 Great Neck Rd, to the Police
Commission. (Term 08/04/2025 — 08/06/2029)
VOTING IN FAVOR OF BOTH NOMINATIONS: Unanimous
MARK GELINAS & TONY SHERIDEN appointed to the Police Commission
CALL ITEM 12 ~ Oswegatchie Fire Station Building Committee Appointment
MOTION by Driscoll, seconded by Moreshead to nominate Tim Sullivan to the Oswegatchie Fire Station
Building Committee.
VOTING IN FAVOR: Unanimous
TIM SULLIVAN appointed to the Oswegatchie Fire Station Building Committee
NEW BUSINESS:
MOTION by Condon, seconded by Steward-Gelinas to refer the matter of “New Veteran’s Tax Exemption
for Disabled Veterans” to the Finance, Wage & Personnel Standing Committee of the RTM. (See
Attachment)
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
The Chairman took a show of hands to see if September 22, 2025 would have a quorum for a Special
Meeting if needed. 15 hands were raised and the meeting was tentatively scheduled.
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Condon to refer the matter of “Review of Ordinance 3.17
Fleet Management” to Finance, Wage & Personnel Standing Committee of the RTM. (See Attachment)
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
Public Protection & Safety Chair, Tim Condon notified the body that his committee would be working
with the Fire Marshall and legal to update the fee schedule under 3.16.
No objections.
MOTION by Driscoll, seconded by Moreshead, to address the letter submitted by Chief Balestracci by
referring the items, “Street Takeovers” and “Enforcement Cameras” to the Public Protection & Safety
Standing Committee of the RTM.
MOTION PASSED: 19-2-0 (Bono, Bracciale voted against)
MOTION by Bono, seconded by Steward-Gelinas, to accept the recommendation of the Public Health,
Recreation and Environment Standing committee and refer the item, “Review of Feral Cat Management”
out of committee with no action taken.
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
MOTION by Driscoll seconded by Condon, to request Finance Director Kim Allen and the Board of
Finance to review the issue establishing a Special Revenue account to address the Hoelck Park
Maintenance.
4 RTM MINUTES 08/04/2025

RTM member Ted Olynciw spoke in regard to the letter submitted by OLYN Contracting. (See
Attachment)
RTM Member Tom Dembek notified the body that the limited funding by the State Bond Commission
was a serious issue and would need to be addressed in the future.
MOTION by Steward-Gelinas, seconded by Bracciale, to adjourn at 10:45 P.M.
MOTION PASSED: Unanimous
Respectfully Submitted,
~~ ZF Cyu-—
David L. Campo, CCTC
Waterford Town Clerk
5 RTM MINUTES 08/04/2025

August 4, 2025 en
Representative Town Meeting
Rope Ferry Road
Waterford, CT 06385
Dear RTM Members:
Thank you to the fire services special review committee for assembling this report | would
like to take a few minutes to provide you with feedback and to make clear who is
responsible and accountable for what is contained inside of this report.
3.0 Fire Services History
“..The Board of Fire Commissioners was replaced in 2010 by Charter revision by a more
centralized management structure, featuring a Director of Fire Services. This position
eliminated the second tier of management over the private fire departments, instead
creating a direct line of reporting and accountability from the individual fire departments to
a professional Town administrator. This change in organization established accountability
for the efforts of the fire companies as well as the full and part-time paid fire fighters by the
Director and ultimately the First Selectman of the Town, as Chief Executive. It also
centralized the budget creation and allocation process...”
“...In addition to creating a leaner more accountable fire services organization, it also
consolidated data collection and management. It formalized and centralized record
retention. This information, including examples like response type and frequency, volunteer
participation, training, expenditures, fleet maintenance, capital planning, equipment
inventories, etc. were collected and tabulated for management review and use as opposed
to being mined periodically from the sourced department or the Commission. The formal
collection and tracking of these streams of data contributed to a greater ability to evaluate
current fire services activity overall performance and forecast future needs. This evolution
in fire services management structure was the single most impactful step taken by the
Town in recent history regarding Fire Services. It was essential to unify policy and practice.
This change also encouraged the use of data-driven decisions, supplanting previous
decision making that depended on the Board of Fire Commissioners’ consensus for
recommendations. Along with this change came vertical organization and consistency in
policies and practices. As a result of the Community's decision through revising the Charter
to move to a different management structure, Fire services today is more organized and ina

better position to deliver firefighting services to the Waterford taxpayer in a safer and more
”
cost-effective manner.....
...AS a result of the Community's decision through revising the Charter to move to a
different management structure, Fire services today is more organized and in a better
position to deliver firefighting services to the Waterford taxpayer in a safer and more cost-
effective manner...”
The excerpts from the fire services history pages outline how, since 2010, the First
Selectman’s office is responsible for the effectiveness or in this case, ineffectiveness of
Waterford’s Fire Services. The last statement about Waterford being better off is laughable.
5.3 Staffing Findings
Figure 12 depicts a graph of current and projected staffing at all five (5) firehouses.
Currently the report lists six (6) FULL TIME PAID PROFESSIONAL firefighters with three (3)
added each year through 2029/2030 to reach a total of eighteen (18) FULL TIME PAID
PROFESSIONAL firefighters. Yet, on page 16 of the report it lists projected staffing levels to
be much higher.
“.....Projected Staffing Model for FY 2030-2031 The Director's plan envisions:
e 10 career firefighters on duty always (requiring 30 career firefighters total)
e A 24/48 schedule (24 hours on, 48 hours off)
s A blend of part-time staffing seven days per week
e Full operations from all five fire stations
e Deployment of a variety of apparatus tailored to incident needs.
Seaveee itis important to underscore that staffing levels for the Waterford Fire Department
have increased since the inception of the Ad Hoc Fire Services Committee...”
The statements concerning staffing predictions are entirely dissimilar making the forecast
numbers unuseable. The Fire Services Review Special Committee conducted its first
meeting in 2021, now four-years later whatever staffing level increase we experienced is
negligible and insufficient making the importance of that statement way overblown.
Sesees There are no definitive legal requirements, whether federal or state that dictate the
specific number of firefighters each town or station must have...”
While that may be true the First Selectman allowed staffing levels to collapse. Instead, over
the years, he has cut multiple budgets, and diminished the importance of adequate,

functional staffing at all five firehouses. If allowed, First Selectman Brule will continue to
spend Quaker Hill taxpayers money on the expansion of fire services elsewhere, leaving
Quaker Hill residents less safe and subject to the whims of his office. (NOTE: the Figure 12
graph shows zero hires while elections take place. Why?)
5.7 Mutual Aid Findings
Legal Basis and Responsibilities
Mutual aid arrangements are typically codified in formal agreements or memoranda of
understanding (MOUs) between municipalities. These agreements clarify roles,
expectations, operational procedures, and financial responsibilities when one jurisdiction
assists another. In the case of Waterford:
e The Town has entered into mutual aid agreements that bind Waterford legally to
provide reasonable assistance when requested.
e Assistance must be provided to the extent possible without compromising
Waterford's own public safety obligations.
e Waterford retains discretion-typically via the Fire Services Director or Chief Officer
on duty-to determine the level of aid that can be safely offered without endangering
its own residents.
Who are the agreements with and when were they signed and last reviewed? By my
estimation, Waterford is probably in breach of those contracts due to the state of its fire
services. When did the Fire Services Review Special Committee review those contracts?
6.0 Five Fire Stations — History and Structure of Waterford’s Fire Stations
6.2 The Case for a New Oswegatchie Fire Station
“....Ensures continued fire and emergency support for the Oswegatchie Elementary School
and surrounding neighborhoods...”
Where is your concern for the children attending the Quaker Hilt Elementary School? The
town has let it go and thus, by this statement about child safety, has continued to leave
them at greater risk by leaving the Quaker Hill Firehouse understaffed.
“Repairing and renovating the existing station is not cost-effective according to the Town's
architect and construction project manager. The construction program manager provided

an estimate of $11.1 million to renovate the building as new, while a new building could
cost $12.6 million, with contingencies and soft costs included in both....”
A separate, more detailed cost estimate to completely renovate the Oswegatchie Fire
Station cam in at $7.8 million. A difference of approximately $3 million or %30. Why include
the larger, less precise estimate in the report? It looks like a number “shot from the hip.”
7.0 A Strategic Vision
Evolution of Waterford’s Fire Services
However, as the fire service evolved:
e Buildings and equipment aged, requiring greater maintenance investment.
e Volunteer staffing declined significantly, forcing the Town to hire part-time and then
full-time firefighters. \
e Annual fire service costs have steadily increased, see Figure 13, reflecting both
broader operational demands and necessary modernization efforts. (Figure 13
depicts a bar graph of personnel, services, material/supplies, and equipment costs
for said fire services between fiscal year 2012 to 2026)
| can understand that overtime pay has risen due to understaffing, but I just don’t see
where much of anything on improving fire services. Just look at the NOTES beneath the
pictures of each firehouse to read about repairs that the town collected taxes for but didn’t
spend for their intended purpose. Major repairs like roofs, HVAC, etc. were not completed.
It's all there in plain view in the report.
Jordan Fire Department ($100,000 from FY 2024 “PUSHED OUT”)
Quaker Hill Fire Department ($200,000 from FY 2023 and FY 2025 “ PUSHED OUT”)
Goshen Fire Department ($150,000 from FY 2023 to FY 2025 “PUSHED OUT”)
Oswegatchie Fire Department ($80,000 FY 2024 “ON HOLD PENDING APPROVAL OIF NEW
FH, this doesn’t include the cost of a new roof.)

8.2 Staffing: Strategic Management for Waterford Fire Services
By staffing Goshen and Quaker Hill with a blend of part-time firefighters, trained first
responders, and community volunteers, the Town can:
® Sustain service coverage without unnecessary costs
e Provide local familiarity and rapid local response
e Preserve the community roots and pride associated with these historic stations
Intentions are perfectly clear how taxes in Quaker Hill will be collected and applied to
Jordan Village, Oswegatchie, and Cohanzie neighborhood firehouses leaving Quaker
Hill (and Goshen) with an inadequate “combo” model. Claiming to sustain service
coverage without unnecessary costs. What exactly is the unnecessary cost? Such
intentional inequity. Borderline negligent.
Given the extensive staffing problems in fire services, and the mismanagement by First
Selectman Brule, | ask the Representative Town Meeting to reject the reports view that the
Quaker Hill Firehouse should be left understaffed and underutilized. The same for the
Goshen firehouse. it is quite obvious that the number one priority is to actively recruit and
hire professional firefighters.
Sincerely,
Bryan Sayles
54 Wintergreen Drive
Quaker Hill, CT 06375

FIFTEEN ROPE FERRY ROAD
WATERFORD, CT 06335-2886
PHONE: 86074420553
wwwiwaterfordctorg 6
COMMITTEE REPORT OU
OPEN BURN ORDINANCE (RTC 12/04/23)
PUBLIC PROTECTION & SAFETY COMMITTEE OF THE RTM
Feb. 20, 2024 Meeting: Brief initial discussion; Chair explained that concern for lack of enforcement options and
potential risks of open burning was behind referral of the issue. Fire Marshal Dubicki to be invited to next meeting.
Aug. 14, 2024 Meeting: Review of Wallingford’s open burn ordinances as example and possible starting point.
Members had questions about the need for a new ordinance, types of open burning in town, fines and enforcement
methods. Chair to schedule next meeting based on Fire Marshal’s availability.
Aug. 29, 2024 Meeting: Fire Marshal Dubicki and Town Attorney Avena present. Dubicki explained that he has
the authority to enforce fire regulations and issue burn permits, but an ordinance would enable him to cite
individuals who do not comply with his extinguishment orders. Discussion on the current open burn process
ensued. Avena will utilize comments from the committee and Fire Marshal to prepare first draft of new ordinance.
March 31, 2025 Meeting: Town Attorney Avena presented first draft of new Chapter 8.33 for review. Minor
language changes requested; Chair to invite Fire Marshal to next meeting for review before move to public hearing.
June 30, 2025: Fire Marshal Dubicki and Town Attorney Avena present for review of second draft. Consensus to
add cooking fires to list of open burns exempt from permits and add subsection giving Fire Marshal authority to
enact a townwide burn ban under certain conditions.
July 21, 2025 Public Hearing: No members of the public; no comments. Meeting: Town Attorney Avena present.
Discussion confirming that Attachment A - Policies for Open Burning in Waterford would be included within the
ordinance and posted on town website and that Avena would prepare final draft for presentation to RTM and
delivery to Municode to update online ordinances. Unanimous vote to report the issue out of committee with a
recommendation that the RTM approve the new Chapter 8.33 in order to allow the Fire Marshall to issue an Open
Burn Ban.
Submitted by
Tim Condon, PP&S Chair
encl: Chptr 8.33 Open Burning—Final Draft 7/21/25
NOTE: All meeting support documents available online in the RTM section of waterfordct.org/AgendaCenter

DRAFT
Chapter 8.33
OPEN BURNING
8.33.010 Declaration of Policy. Ss -F
we AO
8.33.020 Prohibition. j Je
nina
8.33.030 Open Burning Officials permit pracedures. 4 Fn
O95
833.040 ‘Excluded open fires; required permits. > 8
pie
8.33.050 Standards for open burning permits. @ “3
Nn 2
c &
8.33.060 Outdoor burn ban.
8.33.070 Violations and penalties.
8.33.010 Declaration of Policy.
The Town Fire Marshal is increasingly coricerned about safety and environmental impacts
associated with the open burning of brush and other materials, To seék to ensure that the health
and safety of its residents is safeguarded, the Representative Town Meeting (RTM), pursuant to
the authority of Section 7-148 and Section 22a-174 of the Connecticut General Statutes, hereby
enacts legislation prohibiting all open burning except as-noted.
8.33.020 Prohibition.
Except.as hereinafter provided, no person shall set, cause or permit an open fire within the limits
of the Town of Waterford. As used herein, ‘petson” means an individual, firm, pattnership or
corporation, As used herein, “open burning” means the burning of any matter in such manner
d directly into the ambient air
that the products of combustion from the burning are emitte
without passing through an adequate stack or flue, Open burning thus includes burning done in
3 well-ag- on the ground surface.
simple outdoor structures such as barrels and drums a
8.33,030 Open Burning Official; permit procedures.
A. The First Selectman shal! appoint one or more Open Burning Officials of the Town of
Waterford who shall be solely responsible for the issuance of permits for those open fires
excluded from the prohibition of section 8.33.020 of this chapter.
B. A petmit application for any permitted open fire shall be inade.on forms furnished by the
Open Burning Official, Each application shall describe the purposes of the fire, the

DRAFT
nature and quantity of the matetials to be bumed and such other information as the Open
Burning Official may require.
A permit issued under this section shall be applicable only for the occasion or the purpose
for which it was obtained.
Excluded open fires; required permits.
A-permit shall not be required for the following open fires:
Barbeques or other outdoor open fires for the purpose of cooking food for human
consumption.
Fires to abate an immediate fire hazard, provided that the abatement fire is
supervised by a responsible fire official,
Fires for training firefighters in methods of fighting fires as authorized by the Fire
Marshal and/or Fire Chief.
Fires in an outdoor fireplace (i.e., chimineas, patio hearths, fire rings). Outdoor
fireplaces must be noncombustible and specifically designed to hold outdoor fires.
Fires shall not exceed four feet in diameter and only untreated riatural wood is
permitted to be burned. Fires must be a minimum of 10 feet from any structure.
Drums of any kind shall not be permitted.
Fires in salamanders or other similar devices used by construction or other
workers for heating purposes, which fires are essential to street installation or
paving activities, the repairing of utilities, or other similar work.
Permits shall be required for the following open fires:
Cc
8,33.040
A
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
B.
(1)
(2)
Cc.
Fires for the prevention, control, or destruction of diseases and pests, and
agricultural burning for vegetation management.
Campfires, bonfires or other fires for ceremonial or recreational purposes,
including cooking fires, that do not meet the standards as defined in Subsection
A(4) above,
Permits are required for the following open fires and may only be issued by the
Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection or his designee:
(1)
Q
Fires for the disposal of dangerous material such as toxic gases where there is not
a reasonable alternative method.
Fires to thwart a hazard which cannot. properly be managed by any other means or
is necessary for the protection of public health.

DRAFT
8.33.050 Standards for open burning permits.
The Open Burning Official shall not issue a permit when it is determined that:
A. A hazardous health condition will be created by such burning:
B. The fire constitutes a salvage operation by open burnirig;
c. A practical and alternative method for the disposal of the material to be burned
exists, including but not limited to the following techniques: chipping, cutting for
forest products, land filling, piling for protective cover for wildlife and
stockpiling:
D. Such open burning would interfere with or prevent the attainment or maintenance
of a relevant ambient air quality standard;
E. The forest fire danger, as determined by the state forest fire warden, is high or
extreme and the area is within 100 feet of a woodland or grassland;
F, An advisory of an air pollution emergency episode state is in effect; or
G. Garbage, paper, grass, metals, plastics, leaves, rubber, painted materials or
demolition waste is to be burned.
8.33.066 Ouidoor barn ban.
A. Whenever the state DEEP issues an outdoor burning ban on state properties, ihe Town
Fire Marshal is hereby authorized to issue a similar townwide ban.
8,33.070 Violations and penalties,
A. The Fire Marshal, police officer, and any Fire Department officer having jurisdiction,
after having been made aware of a particular open fire and having satisfied themselves as
to the circumstances and applicable requirements, shall cause any fire not specifically
permitted by this ordinance or any fire deemed a hazard or nuisance, to be immediately
extinguished, and may summon the fire service to.accomplish this extinguishment.
B. Any person who violates this chapter shall be fined $250.00. Each singular daily event
shall be considered a separate violation,
(See Attachment A - Policies for Open Burning in Waterford)
Effective Date; This ordinance shall take effect 15 days after final action by the RTM.

Attacu Ment A
Burn Permit
Purpose: To allow for open burning of brush only, on residential property
Brush is defined as shrubs, vegetation or prunings, the diameter of which is
not greater than three inches at the widest paint.
Non-processed wood is considered to be any untreated, natural wood up
to and including rough cut lumber.
Processed wood is considered to be any wood that has been milled and/or
planed and includes recycled wood, glued wood, treated wood, pallets,
crates, and/or wood scraps from these types of materials,
Burn only clean, non-processed wood.
« Burning must cease if directed so by the Fire Marshal’s Office or Officer of
the Fire Department, any designated municipal official responsible for
enforcing the open burning laws and ordinances, or any Official of the State
Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
e Atnotime during the burn should the fire be left unattended.
¢ Atthe completion of the burn period, all embers and coals must be
extinguished and wetted, so as to prevent smoldering and fugitive ash
emissions.
« Allreasonable safety precautions are to be taken, including the clearing of
grass and trees in the burn area, wetting down of the surroundirig area, and
the placement of fire extinguishers and hose lines.
® The Burn permit must be immediately available on site during the burn.

* Call Waterford Dispatch at (860)442-5331 before any burning is to take
place and when its complete.
e Burning may only be conducted between the hours of 10:00 A.M. and 5:00
P.M. on a sunny or partly sunny day with the wind speed between five and
fifteen miles per hour. The burn pile must be completely extinguished by
5:00 P.M. and all embers and coals must be extinguished and wetted.
* Burning may not create a nuisance to nearby properties if so, you can be
directed by personnel listed above to extinguish it regardiess of the permit.
Open burning is not allawed:
e toclear land prior to construction activities
» Asameans to dispose of construction debris, household trash, or leaves.
+ if the Air Quality Index (AQI) is forecasted to be 100 or higher anywhere in the
state
» if the Forest Fire Danger Index is rated High, Very High, or Extreme
+ if national or state ambient air quality standards may be exceeded
» ifahazardous health condition might be created
« if there is an advisory from DEEP of any air pollution episode
You should not burn wood pallets, construction debris, painted wood,
stained/treated wood, or garbage in a campfire/bontfire, fire pit, chiminea or
other similar device.
Exceptions: The burning of non-processed wood in a campfire, chiminea or other
similar devices are not required to have a permit.
Reference: CT State DEEP Open burning official documentation 2024
Stephen Dubicki
Fire Marshal
Town of Waterford
5/29/2024

FIFTEEN ROPE FERRY ROAD
P ONE:.860- 44220553
WATERFORD, CT 06385-2886
pwww. veaterfordcn Lorg
sn
ATV AND DIRT BIKE ORDINANCE CONSIDERATION, RTC 40102123-'2
PUBLIC PROTECTION & SAFETY COMMITTEE OF THE RTM, cs)
Feb. 20, 2024 Meeting: Brief initial instruction and review of request from the Waterford
Police dept. RTM Member Driscoll informed the committee that the state legislature is
also looking into this issue. Committee asked the Chair to reach out to the Chief of the
Police Department and ask if he was able to wait until the end of the legislative session
in Hartford to determine what action the State takes.
Aug. 14, 2024 Meeting: Chief Balestracci was in attendance for discussion. Chief gave
committee other community’s ordinances dealing with the same issue. Chief requested
that the committee look these over as templates for possible ordinance
creation. Committee briefly reviewed the documents and will as a matter of general
consensus send the Town of Guilford's ordinance to the Town Attorney for review and
modification. Chairman Condon will reach out to the Town Attorney with questions
posed by committee and to advise where the committee would like to start based on the
Chiefs recommendations
Aug. 29, 2024 Meeting: Committee expressed needed changes to the various ordinances
presented last time by the Chief of Police. The committee reviewed a few ordinances with the
attorney and expressed that the Town of Guilford offers the best template to build off of. Town
attorney will review Guilford ordinance along with committee comments and produce a
document for review.
March 31, 2025 Meeting: Attorney Avena presented a draft ordinance to the committee
for review and comment. Committee reviewed the document which Attorney Avena had
put together combing multiple other Towns ordinances. Committee requested that we
reach out to the Police Department for comment and possible attendance at our next
meeting.
June 30, 2025: Draft ordinance presented by legal. Chief Balestracci provided history
and benefits of the proposed ordinance. It was decided that language should match
New London. The appeal process was discussed. A unanimous motion was passed to
send the ordinance to a Public Hearing.
July 21, 2025 Public Hearing: No comments from the public. During the meeting portion a
motion was passed unanimously to report issue out of committee and recommend the proposed
ordinance because of the unsafe and illegal operation of ATV's and dirt bikes in Waterford with
changes to 10.10.010. (See Attachment)
Submitted by
Tim Condon, PP&S Chair
encl: Chptr 10.10 All-Terrain Vehicles—Final Draft 7/23/25

Chapter 10.10
All-Terrain Vehicles Ordinance
10.10.010 Declaration of Policy.
10.10.020 Definitions.
10.10.030 Prohibition.
10.10.040 Penalties.
10.10.050 Sign Posting Required for All-Terrain Dealers.
10.10.060 Sale of Gasoline for Illegal Purposes.
16.10.070 Appeal.
10.10.010 Declaration of Policy.
As authorized under C.G.S. Section 14-390(A), the Police Chief and Police Commission have
become concerned with unregistered and unsafe vehicle use in Waterford. Therefore, all-terrain
vehicles, mini bikes, mini motorcycles and dirt bikes on streets and public property are
prohibited.
10.10.020 Definitions.
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings
ascribed to them in this section:
All-terrain vehicle means a self-propelled vehicle designed to travel over unimproved
terrain and which has been determined by the commissioner of motor vehicles to be unsuitable
for operation.on the public highways and also defined as any three (3) or more wheeled
motorized vehicle, generally characterized by large, low-pressure tires, a seat designed to be
straddled by the operator and handlebars for steering, which is intended for off-road uses by an
individual rider on various types of non-paved terrain. Such vehicles do not include trail bikes,
golf carts, agricultural tractors, farm implements and construction machines.
All-terrain vehicle dealer means any person engaged in the business of manufacturing,
selling, leasing or renting all-terrain vehicles, mini bikes, as defined by this section, mini-
motorcycles, as defined by this section, or dirt bikes, as defined by this section, at retail having a
regular and established place of business within the Town.
Dirt bike shall mean a two-wheeled motorized recreational vehicle designed to travel over
unimproved terrain and not designed for travel on a highway, and also defined pursuant to
General Statute § 14-390m(d) as may be amended.
1

Mini-motorcycle shall mean a vehicle that has not more than three (3) wheels in contact with
the ground, has a manufactured seat height of less than twenty-six (26) inches measured at the
lowest point on top of the seat cushion without the ride, and is propelled by an engine having a
piston displacement of less than fifty (50) c.c.
Pocket bikes, mini bikes, mini sport bikes, mini dirt bikes, chopper scooters, motor
scooters, bicycles with helper motors, and any other similar vehicle (hereinafter collectively
"mini bikes") shall mean any wheeled vehicle designed to transport one (1) or more persons that
is powered by any type of motor.
As used in this section, "all-terrain vehicle", "mini bike", "mini motorcycle" and "dirt bike"
shall not include the following:
(1) Any registered "motorcycle" as defined in General Statute § 14-1(46);
(2) Any registered “motor vehicle" as defined in General Statute § 14-1(47);
(3) — Any moped that meets Federal Department of Transportation guidelines for use on
streets and is approved by the State of Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
for use on streets, provided, however, the moped is operated pursuant to all
applicable state laws, rules, and regulations and all Town ordinances;
(4) Any wheelchair or similar mobility assisting device utilized by a person with a
physical disability or whose ambulatory mobility has been impaired due to age or
physical ailment;
(5) Any self-propelled snow plow, snow blower or lawn mower when used for the
purpose for which it was designed and operated at a speed not to exceed four (4)
miles per hour;
(6) Any vehicle owned or leased by the Town; and
(7) _ Any electronic assistive mobility device as defined by the Town Code.
(8) Electric (“E”) Bikes as defined by state statute.
10.19.030 Prohibitions
(1) ‘It shall be unlawful for any person to operate an all-terrain vehicle, mini bike, mini
motorcycle, or dirt bike and/or for any owner of an all-terrain vehicle, mini bike,
motorcycle, or dirt bike to knowingly permit the operation of his/her all-terrain
vehicle, mini bike, mini motorcycle, or dirt bike on any street or sidewalk in the
Town or on any public property, including but not limited to school property,
playgrounds and parks, within the Town.
(2) It shall be unlawful for any person to ride as a passenger on an all-terrain vehicle,
mini bike, mini motorcycle, or dirt bike and/or for any owner of an all-terrain
vehicle, mini bike, mini motorcycle, or dirt bike to knowingly permit any person to
ride as a passenger on his/her all-terrain vehicle, mini bike, mini motorcycle, or dirt
bike operated in violation of subsection (1) above.
(3) It shall be unlawful for any person to operate an all-terrain vehicle, mini bike, mini
motorcycle, or dirt bike, ride as a passenger on an all-terrain vehicle, mini bike, mini
2

(4)
10.10.040
(1)
@)
(3)
4)
motorcycle, or dirt bike, and/or for any owner of an all-terrain vehicle or mini cycle
to knowingly permit its operation on any private property, within the Town, without
first obtaining the written permission of the property owner if the property is not
owned by the operator, passenger, and/or owner of the all-terrain vehicle, mini bike,
mini motorcycle, or dirt bike.
This section shall not be applicable to any dirt bike being operated upon any road or
highway provided that, (i) said dirt bike is properly and validly registered with the
Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles and (ii) is being operated in compliance
with all applicable motor vehicle laws of the state.
Penalties.
Any person who operates an all-terrain vehicle, mini bike, mini motorcycle, or dirt
bike in violation of subsection 10.10.030(1) and/or 10.10.030(2) above, or is the
owner of an all-terrain vehicle, mini bike, mini motorcycle, or dirt bike who
knowingly permits its operation in violation of subsection 10.10.030(1) and/or
10.10.030(2) above, shall be fined one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) for a first
violation, shall be fined one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500.00) for a
second violation, and shall be fined two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) for a third
or subsequent violation.
Any person aged sixteen (16) or older who rides as a passenger on an all-terrain
vehicle, mini bike, mini motorcycle, or dirt bike in violation of subsection
10.10.030(2) above, or is the owner of an all-terrain vehicle, mini bike, mini
motorcycle, or dirt bike who knowingly permits a passenger to ride on his/her all-
terrain vehicle, mini bike, mini motorcycle, or dirt bike in violation of subsection
10.10.030(1), shall be fined two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00).
Any police officer that observes any person in violation of this section may detain
such person for purposes of enforcing the provisions of this section. Any all-terrain
vehicle, mini bike, mini motorcycle, or dirt bike used in violation of this section
shall be seized by any police officer and shall be forfeited to the Town, subject to
any bona fide lien, lease or security interest in the all-terrain vehicle, mini bike, mini
motorcycle, or dirt bike, including, but not limited to, a lien under General Statute
§ 14-66c.
Any all-terrain vehicle, mini bike, mini motorcycle, or dirt bike ordered forfeited
pursuant to this section shall be either (i) sold at public auction conducted by the
Town, with the proceeds of such sale being paid to the treasurer of the Town who
shall deposit such proceeds into the general fund of the municipality, or (ii) be
destroyed by the Town. See Connecticut General Statute § 54-339.

10.10.050 Sign Posting Required for All-Terrain Dealers.
Each all-terrain vehicle dealer in Waterford offering for sale, lease or rental any all-terrain vehicle,
mini bike, mini motorcycle, or dirt bike shall post this section in a prominent location at said all-
terrain vehicle dealer's place of business. Any all-terrain vehicle dealer who violates any provision
of this section shall be fined one hundred and fifty dollars ($150.00).
10.10.060 Sale of Gasoline for Illegal Purposes.
(1) 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, mini bike, mini
motorcycle, or dirt bike as defined in this Ordinance, unless that vehicle is conveyed
to and from the retailer's premises by a registered motor vehicle, as defined in
General Statute § 14-1, as may be amended, and no individual shall purchase or
attempt to purchase gasoline for this purpose.
(2) Signs with the words "FUELING OF UNAUTHORIZED VEHICLES
PROHIBITED" in English and "PROHIBIDO DESPACHAR GASOLINA A
VEHICULOS NO AUTORIZADOS'" in Spanish at least one (1) inch in height with
acontrasting margin shall be posted at all dispensing locations. The location of
warming signs shall be based on local conditions but shall be visible and legible from
all gas pumps, subject to zoning sign permits.
(3) Anindividual or retail dealer of gasoline who violates any provision of subsections
(1) and/or (2) of this section shall be fined two hundred dollars ($200.00) per each
day the violation occurs.
10.10.070 Appeal.
An appeals hearing process shall be made available to the owner or lien holder prior to forfeiture
of a motorized recreational vehicle as provided in Ordinance 10.09.070, entitled Hearing
Procedures.
Effective Date: This ordinance shall take effect 15 days after final action by the RTM.

FIFTEEN ROPE FERRY ROAD
PHONE: 960-442-0553
WATERFORD, CT 06385-2886
wy w.waterford ‘ihe
€ 22} dié- uP
ra?
PUBLIC HEALTH, RECREATION AND ENVIRONMENT STANDING COMMITTEE OF
THE RTM COMMITTEE REPORT
Review of Feral Cat Management, RTC 12/05/2022
Review of Creation of a Special Revenue Fund, RTC 04/07/2025
Background
At the RTM Regular Meeting on December 5, 2023 following public comment and
discussion The RTM voted unanimously to refer the” Review of Feral Cat Management”
and on April 7, 2025 they voted to refer “Review of Creation of a Special Revenue
Fund” to the. Public Health Recreation & Environment Standing Committee of the RTM
Summary
This committee met January 30, 2023, July 12, 2023 April 16, 2025 in regard to
“Review of Feral Cat Management”. The committee heard from a member of the
public at the January 30 2023 meeting regarding their concern for the feeding of feral
cats. The committee reviewed current state legislation regarding feral cat management
and submitted questions for review to the Chief of Police and the Animal Control Officer
at subsequent meetings.
The Committee met April 16, 2025 in regard to “Review of Creation of a Special
Revenue Fund” with Assistant Director of Recreation and Parks Timothy Cieplik and
heard from. members of the public who represented the town’s co-sponsored Little
League program, The committee found that there is a significant need for additional
support for our towns co-sponsored recreation programs.
Recommendations
At the April 16, 2025 meeting the committee unanimously recommended the following
issues out of committee with no action taken.
Review of Feral Cat Management, RTC 12/05/2022
The committee felt that the issue of “feral cat management” was not widespread or
rose to the level that would requite action through ordinance. The committee also notes
that there haven't been significant complaints of feral cat issues heard by the committee

since the item was referred.
Review of Creation of a Special Revenue Fund, RTC 04/07/2025
The committee also recommends to report the item “Review of Creation of a Special
Revenue Fund” out of committee after with a recommendation the RTM recommends
to report to the full RTM that they direct the finance Director, in conjunction with the
board of Finance, to review the issue, and move forward with establishing a special
revenue account to address Hoelck Park field rental and maintenance.
Attachments
Minutes and supporting documents available online and/or by request.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael Bono
Committee Chair

July 31, 2025 ; i
Mr. Paul Goldstein, Moderator
Representative Town Meeting
Waterford, CT 06385 me
\
RE: Final Report Fire Services Review Special Committee dated July 2025
Dear Mr. Moderator and Members of the RTM,
{ would like to thank Chairman Tuneski and the Committee members for their 4 hard
years of workin putting together this report.
The charter ofthe! hew committee was “to review issues including performance,
polici and present their findings / recommendations of any ¢
needed to enhance public safety, creating a steering document and strategic plan”.
I had anticipated a document such as the “Task Force 95 Systems Analysis prepared
for the Waterford Fire Commission by the Long Range Planning Committee dated
Feb.17, 1994”. The very detailed report covered the following topic:
Strengths
Weaknesses
Threats
Recommendations
ao of
| expected this Committee to at least list the Weaknesses and Threats and then come
back with a strong list of recommendations. Many of the weaknesses still exist 30
years later. 
oe
I see in Chief Howley’s report his need for 3 additional firepersons for FY 27-28, 28-29
and 29-30. Is this a recommendation?
| have noticed in reading Chief Howley’s Committee Report that our 5 stations are in
need of repairs and various projects have been delayed or pushed out for various
reasons unknown to the public. Would you tell us when these projects will be started
or why they have not been highly recommended that this work be completed in this
report?
1. Jordan :
a. Window replacement FY 2024 $60,000 pushed out
b. Flooring Replacement FY 2024 $40,000 pushed out
2. Quaker Hill

A. Generator Replacement FY 2023 $50,000 pushed out
B. B. Flat roof replacement FY 2025 $100,000 pushed out
C. Rear parking lot FY 2025 $50,000 pushed out
3. Goshen
A. Apparatus floor drain FY 2023 $25,000 pushed out
B. Flat roof replacement FY 2025 $75,000 pushed out
C. Bunk room renovations FY 2025 $50,006 pushed out
The total cost to do all of these projects is $440,000. Isn’t the roof the most important
items to fix before rain damages and mold?
The summary on page 43, 8.6 Overall Strategic Plan simply says, “the Fire
Administrator and the First Selectman shall annually monitor the effectiveness of the
fire services”. Also, “the RTM shalt re-appoint a Fire Services Review Committee to
perform an assessment function like the Plan of Conservation & Development...”
Really? Is this the overall strategy?
Nek CRA
Ted Otynciw, RTM Rep. 2" District
ce: Robert Brule, 1° Selectman
Robert Tuneski
Christopher Haley

ASSIGNEE REPORT OF THE OSWEGATCHIE FIRE HOUSE BUILDING COMMITTEE 7-23-25
1. The plans and specifications have heen completed and ready to be sent for
bidding, fo,
2. Chairman Tunesit gave a presentation onthe status of the project to a joint
meeting of the B.O.S, and the B.O.F. on July 22, 2025,
3. The Committee has paid to date for re
Architectural/Engineering Design and Project Management services a total of
$601,287.03. Theres still an outstanding balance to he paid in the amount of
$44,683.97 ta complete this phase of the project, °
Pairs to-the building,
Ted Olyneiw, RTM Assignee to this Building Committee
fant
om
ST:
WH WUL24 A BSS
ATTES
ED FOR RECORD
REE Ee Gee

SCO?
‘wp
dsnbny
YOTIeES
“4TH STYyoIebsmso
\
— OFUT Azeuums
ORD, CT
RECEIVED FOR RECORD
2025 AUG -bIP 241

Service
Ad
Hoc
Committee
Interim
Report,
January
2023”
delivered
to
the
RTM
Oswegatchie
Fire
Station
Building
Committee
was
chartered
at
the
April
2,
2023
RTM
accordance
with
Waterford
Code
of
Ordinances,
Chapter
2.88.
Building
C
The
charge
reads
“due
to
the
extensively
deteriorated
condition
of
the
O
Fire
Station,
that
it
be
repaired
and
or
replaced
with
a
new
building”-
ote
nine-member
bipartisan
Committee
including
volunteer
fire
fighters,
paid
RTM,
BOS,
and
BOF
members;
and
community
representatives
per
the
RTM
 requirements
meetings
every
two
weeks
at
Oswegatchie
Fire
Station
Training
Room
architectural
firm,
Silver
Petrucelli
Associates
approved
February
5,
2024-
ote
project
manager,
Downes
Construction,
approved
by
RTM
April
8,
2025
-
19-

ding Committee
committee
has
been
diligent,
thoughtful,
deliberate,
and
has
maintained
a
sense
of
Committee
voting
history
has
demonstrated
remarkable
consensus,
notwithstanding