Orange Selectmen Approve Traffic Camera Negotiations, Update Solicitation Rules

ORANGE, CT — The Board of Selectmen on July 8 unanimously authorized the town to negotiate an agreement with Altumint Inc. for an automated traffic enforcement safety device program, approved revisions to the town's peddling and solicitation ordinance, and authorized several community initiatives during its regular meeting.

The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. by First Selectman James Zeoli. Following a brief opening session, the board recessed the regular meeting to conduct a public hearing on proposed changes to Chapter 302 of the Town Code governing peddling and solicitation. The meeting concluded with adjournment at 9:54 p.m.

Board Authorizes Traffic Camera Agreement

The board's most significant action came after a presentation by representatives of Altumint Inc., who outlined the company's automated traffic enforcement technology and implementation process.

Martin Plank, Kevin Halloran and Jason Norton of Altumint said the company provides automated traffic safety devices and is approved by the Capitol Region Council of Governments, serving municipalities across Connecticut. Plank described the process for implementing the technology and answered questions from board members and residents.

Following the presentation, the board voted unanimously to authorize the town to enter into an agreement with Altumintand directed the first selectman to negotiate final terms. The agreement, subject to Department of Transportation approval and review by town counsel, would not exceed three years from the date the first automated traffic enforcement safety device becomes operational.

Solicitation Ordinance Amended

Earlier in the evening, the board held a public hearing on proposed amendments to Chapter 302 of the Town Code governing peddling and solicitation.

Residents raised questions about permit fees, enforcement and the creation of a "no solicitation" registry. Mary Hurley asked whether police would implement a paid permit policy for door-to-door solicitation. Town Counsel Owen Weaver said the town has long charged a permit fee, which would increase from $25 to $200.

George Ekman asked whether the ordinance would apply to panhandlers, and Weaver said it applies to solicitors on public property, while businesses along Route 1 fall into a different category.

See Also: Orange Zoners Advance Major Grocery Chain Proposal, Approve Regulation Changes

Selectman Mitchell Goldblatt and resident Frank Esposito discussed administration of the proposed "no solicitation" list. Weaver said the Police Department would likely maintain the registry because it issues solicitation permits and would be responsible for enforcement.

Following the hearing, the board unanimously approved the ordinance amendment, incorporating revisions recommended by town counsel, including creation of the "no solicitation" registration maintained by the Police Department.

Community Requests Approved

The board unanimously approved several routine requests, including:

• Permission for the Amity Teen Center to hold the 29th Annual Chilly Chili 5K Run on Jan. 1, 2027, at High Plains Community Center, along with a waiver of customary rental fees. Linda Cohen, treasurer of the Amity Teen Center, presented the request.
• A request from Rachel Wardin to hold a neighborhood block party on Demarest Drive on Aug. 29.
• Acceptance of the proposed donation of two parcels of land at 990 Orange Center Road and on Diana Street after the properties previously received Town Plan and Zoning Commission approval as municipal referrals.
• Tax refunds totaling $1,481.44 for July.
• An amendment to the agreement between Flock Group Inc. and the Orange Police Department. Police Chief Robert Gagne said the change was needed to reflect requirements of recently enacted Connecticut legislation governing automated license plate reader technology.

Executive Session

The board entered executive session at 9:35 p.m. to discuss labor negotiations, pending litigation and responses to the town's request for proposals for automated traffic enforcement safety devices. Town Counsel Owen Weaver and Labor Counsel Dave Ryan joined the executive session.

When the regular meeting resumed at 9:50 p.m., the board unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding with the Orange Police Union UPSEU/COPS that had been discussed in executive session.

The board also unanimously authorized the first selectman to negotiate and execute a settlement agreement in the matter of Town of Orange v. CLSE Holdings 3, LLC, subject to review and approval by town counsel.

Announcements

During announcements, Zeoli reminded residents about the Orange Volunteer Firemen's Carnival, scheduled for July 30 through Aug. 2, and encouraged parents to remind children about roadway safety because of increased use of e-bikes and scooters during the summer. Goldblatt also announced the next town shredding and recycling event, scheduled for Oct. 24.