Newtown Ordinance Committee Advances Solid Waste Quorum Change, Reviews Short-Term Rentals

NEWTOWN, CT — The Newtown Legislative Council’s Ordinance Committee voted unanimously to advance changes to the town’s solid waste ordinance to address quorum issues within the Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority and continued discussion on enforcement, short-term rentals and automated traffic enforcement during its Feb. 5 meeting.

Committee members voted 5-0-0 to send proposed amendments to Ordinance No. 63 to the full Legislative Council for approval. The motion was made by Eric Paradis and seconded by Steve Stolfi.

The amendment would revise language in the town’s code regarding membership in the regional resources recovery authority to align with updated bylaws requiring verbatim adoption by member towns. Chair Jordana Bloom said the change addresses quorum concerns caused by population-weighted voting, which can result in missed quorum if a member town representative is absent.

Committee members reported no objections from other member towns and said the proposed language has been reviewed by municipal counsel. Bloom described the quorum issue as the most pressing matter.

The committee also discussed potential amendments to Ordinance No. 67, which governs solid waste and enforcement. Members reviewed concerns about unlicensed haulers operating in town and the town’s potential liability if it fails to enforce regulations.

Christopher Eide asked whether liability arises from use of the transfer station or from operations within Newtown. The response was “both,” with liability particularly tied to damage occurring on public roads. Benjamin Ruben noted that citations would be issued and that vehicle impoundment would only occur if citations remain unpaid.

Committee members discussed whether to strengthen enforcement provisions to ensure the ordinance has sufficient deterrent effect. No vote was taken on Ordinance No. 67, and members agreed additional review may be needed.

The committee also began researching possible restrictions on short-term rentals following a charge from the Legislative Council. Resident Don Morrisy, speaking during public comment, urged the committee to consider a 30-day minimum rental period, citing concerns about noise, safety and quality of life.

Ruben said the town does not currently have a dedicated short-term rental ordinance and that zoning regulations do not explicitly prohibit rentals under 30 days. Bloom noted that a complete ban could be difficult to enforce and urged sensitivity to homeowners who rely on rental flexibility.
Members discussed whether the issue should be addressed through zoning enforcement by the Planning and Zoning Commission rather than through a town ordinance. No formal action was taken.

Under old business, the committee reviewed work on a proposed automated traffic enforcement ordinance. Bloom outlined the ordinance process and noted that police would have six months to implement the program if adopted. Members discussed possible provisions, including a 30-day warning period, limits on data retention and restrictions on data sharing. The committee agreed to draft language and engage the Police Commission before advancing the proposal.

The committee also discussed updates to the peddling and solicitation ordinance and amendments to the veterans tax relief ordinance.

The committee adjourned at 9:19 p.m. on a unanimous 5-0-0 vote.