Waterford RTM Committee To Review Street Takeovers, Traffic Cameras And Mass Gatherings Rules

WATERFORD, CT — The Representative Town Meeting's Public Protection and Safety Standing Committee is scheduled to review proposed ordinances addressing street takeovers, automated traffic enforcement cameras and the town's mass gatherings regulations during a special meeting Wednesday, July 22, at Town Hall.

The committee will meet at 6 p.m. in the Louise Appleby Room to consider three items referred to it for review following approval of the minutes from its Feb. 11 meeting.

One of the committee's principal agenda items is a proposed street takeovers ordinance intended to address illegal exhibitions involving all-terrain vehicles, dirt bikes and other motor vehicles on public roads and parking areas. Committee members are expected to continue reviewing draft language and examples of similar ordinances adopted by other Connecticut municipalities. Materials included with the agenda contain examples from Danbury, New Britain and Groton, among others.

The committee is also scheduled to continue discussing a proposed ordinance authorizing the use of automated traffic enforcement safety devices, commonly known as traffic cameras. Background materials include examples of ordinances adopted in Washington, Middletown and other municipalities following the enactment of Connecticut's automated traffic enforcement law. The committee previously reviewed the proposal and discussed balancing public safety benefits with privacy concerns.

Members are also expected to examine revisions to Waterford's Mass Gatherings ordinance. The review follows a request from resident Kathleen Jacques, who asked the RTM to clarify the permitting process after raising concerns that the existing ordinance could affect events involving First Amendment-protected activities, including peaceful assemblies and demonstrations. Supporting documents include Jacques' letter, portions of Waterford's current ordinance, New London's demonstrations and special events ordinance, East Lyme's assembly regulations and guidance from the American Civil Liberties Union of Connecticut.

The agenda packet also includes minutes from the committee's Feb. 11 meeting, during which members discussed adapting portions of New London's ordinance to better define when permits are required for public demonstrations while protecting constitutional rights. At that meeting, committee members also reviewed examples of street takeover and traffic camera ordinances from other communities.

No action items beyond committee consideration of the proposed ordinances are listed on the agenda. Public comment is scheduled near the beginning of the meeting.