Newtown Legislative Council Refers School Bus Camera Plan, Approves Transportation Committee Charge

NEWTOWN, CT — The Newtown Legislative Council voted Feb. 25 to refer a proposed school bus stop-arm enforcement camera program to its Ordinance Committee for further drafting and unanimously approved the charge establishing a Transportation Planning Committee as a two-year standing body.

The meeting was held in the Council Chambers at the Newtown Municipal Center, and called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Chair Laura Miller.

School Bus Stop-Arm Enforcement Cameras

Eric Paradis moved to refer the proposed School Bus Stop-Arm Enforcement Camera program to the Ordinance Committee for review. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

Superintendent Anne Uberti presented the initiative on behalf of Newtown Public Schools. She said the program is intended to enhance student safety by addressing illegal passing of school buses while students are boarding or exiting.

According to presentation materials included in the meeting packet, automated cameras mounted on school buses would record vehicles that pass during extended stop-arm deployment. Each event would be reviewed before a citation is issued. The materials state that between Nov. 11, 2025 and Jan. 14, 2026, 95 self-reported violations occurred on Toddy Hill Road, Berkshire Road, Poverty Hollow Road and Orchard Hill Road.

The overview explains that the program would operate under state enabling legislation and that tickets would be issued to violators, with revenue split between the vendor and the town. The materials also reference public awareness efforts and fines of $250 per violation.

After discussion regarding financial structure, data retention, privacy protections and enforcement considerations, the council agreed to forward the proposal to committee for further development.

Transportation Planning Committee Charge

Council members also approved the proposed charge for what will be known as the Newtown Transportation Planning Committee, formerly referred to as the Traffic Workgroup.

Michelle Embree Ku discussed the charge, stating that the committee’s role is to provide research, review and advisory input on long-term transportation planning issues without duplicating the statutory authority of the Local Traffic Authority.

The adopted charge, included in the meeting materials, outlines responsibilities such as identifying long-term pedestrian and bicycle safety strategies, recommending sidewalk and crosswalk improvements, addressing congestion and noise from Interstate 84, supporting engineering studies when needed, and coordinating advocacy efforts with state and regional agencies including the Connecticut Department of Transportation and WestCOG.

The council approved the charge unanimously, noting that the committee will operate as a two-year standing body that may receive expert and stakeholder input.

Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority Ordinance

The council also approved updates to the Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority ordinance language to align with standards used by other member towns and clarify voting structure and language. Members agreed to post the revised language for public review and present it at a future meeting.

Communications And Reports

The council received communications from residents on several topics, including charter revision language, audio quality during meetings, transparency concerns and a Fairfield Hills traffic study.

In his report, First Selectman Bruce Walczak provided updates on the WinnDevelopment proposal at Fairfield Hills, ongoing railroad culvert restoration planning, and recent snow management efforts.

The meeting adjourned at 9:34 p.m.