Representative Town Meeting (RTM) - Minutes - 09/24/2020

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FIFTEEN ROPE FERRY ROAD
WATERFORD, CT 06385-2886
MINUTES re
PUBLIC HEALTH, RECREATION & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE OF THE RTM |
SPECIAL MEETING OR
Thursday, September 24, 2020
6:00 P.M. - Waterford Town Hall
ZOOM Remote Access Only
The September 24, 2020 Special Meeting of the Public Health, Recreation & Environment
Committee of the RTM was called to order by Chairperson Jennifer Bracciale at 6:02 P.M.
ROLL CALL
Present: Jennifer Bracciale, April Cairns, Nicholas Gauthier, Robert Swansen
Absent: Steve Elci
Also.Attending: Town Clerk David Campo, Recreation & Parks Director Brian Flaherty,
Planning Director Abby Piersall.
PUBLIC COMMENT: None
AGENDA ITEM 5
MOTION by Cairns, seconded by Gauthier, to approve the minutes from the June 10,
2019 meeting.
VOTING IN FAVOR: Unanimous
AGENDA ITEM 6A: Possession & Drinking of Alcohol on Town Property
Discussion ensued.
MOTION by Cairns, seconded by Gauthier, to open discussion concerning Draft 1,
“proposed changes to the Waterford Code of Ordinances Chapter 12.08 concerning the
possession and drinking of alcoho! beverages in town parks and recreation areas. (RTC
08-03-2020)
VOTING IN FAVOR: Unanimous
Much of the discussion centered on the approval process, insurance, enforcement.
MOTION by Cairns, seconded by Gauthier, to table the issue until the next meeting.
VOTING IN FAVOR: Unanimous
AGENDA ITEM 6B: Review/Evaluate Beach Fee Pricing
Discussion ensued.

Committee along with Recreation & Parks Director Brian Flaherty discussed Waterford
Beach access pricing and fees and agreed that the discussion would continue at the next
meeting.
MOTION by Cairns, seconded by Gauthier, to adjourn at 7:00 P.M.
VOTING IN FAVOR: unanimous
Respectfully submitted,
David L. Campo, CCTC
Town Clerk

TIFTBEN ROPE FERRY ROAD
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
MEMORANDUM
TO: Thomas Dembek, Moderator, Waterford Representative Town Meeting
FROM: Abby Y. Plersall, AICP, Director of Planning and Development
DATE: July 21, 2020.
TITLE: Proposed Changes to the Waterford Code of Ordinances Chapter 12.08 Concerning the
possession and drinking of alcoholic beverages in town parks and recreation areas.
This request is to consider the potential to allow the possession oi drinking of alcoholic beverages af
recreational facilities during special events approved by the Board of Selectmen, Alcohol is currently
prohibited at Town facilities, This change would enable events such as concerts, fundraisers, or festivals
to include the sale and consumption of beer or wine, The change wottld.not enable possession of alcohol -
at school properties or on beaches,
Changing this Ordinance is a key step In reducing restrictions on the range of events that can be held on
town properties. The addition of carefiully planned service of wine or beer can help broaden patticipation
in Waterford events and draw new attractions to Town. Enabling sanctioned alechol consumption in
public places supports ongoing efforts increase the frequency and diversity of dynamic and vibrant events
in Waterford. Hvents like dinners at the historic Jordan Green, summer concerts at the Waterford Beach
Patk, or craft beer and wine tasting at the Farmers Market could be permitted if the Ordinance is changed, ‘
As proposed, the change would only allow beer and wine to be available as sanctioned on a case-by-case
basis by the Board of Selectmen,
Section 12,08.040 currently reads:
The possession or drinking of alcoholic beverages in any town park and recyeational area,
including Waterford Beach, is prohibited,
Proposed language for 12.03.0460 is:
The possession or drinking of alcoholic beverages in any town park and/or recreational
atea is prohibited, except as provided below: . :
A. Possession and drinking of beer and wine may be permitted at locations and times
as approved by the Board of Seleotmen. In no case will the possession and drinking
of beer and wine be allowed on the sand or dunes of any beach. .