[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6143038,"mediaKeyId","5540356-794256198c7cbf277bfce3a0188a4220","parentId",5540356,"title","Board opens lengthy review of wetlands ordinance; debate centers on dock rules and 'relief valve'","audioSeconds",2624,"startMs",2580000,"endMs",5204000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5540356-794256198c7cbf277bfce3a0188a4220&start=2580&end=5204","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5540356-794256198c7cbf277bfce3a0188a4220/thumbnail_2580000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6143038/Connecticut/Board-opens-lengthy-review-of-wetlands-ordinance-debate-centers-on-dock-rules-and-relief-valve","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6143038-0ab7d76767468c62c35f2333f420c0e4/orig.mp4?Expires=1774866550&Signature=S2ZAw61DrfJYdtEDtsN8FrsYlcgVhgx3JCfSBixSCkxWgTJv3WxigIeaeirmm8Lyk2dxjOX51Ehh3NittoGsfmlqsifcioN1AxI63a4gkJs93iye9F4UDwQM8bIx1xetPZTgIs896hntBeCNSuRPJp5hZ1qple6G4qtptmsrZgTYgelf3QZGLZ6wPWhUYUuPgHD6fNbVgJ9tF0eGRxiQwHYdWkRCk-UHjNGzHAW9YuKRZdnPZfkKT7uC3KEyBzBs0zOVTfUmgXAygBZ-yJ3wAKepQHWEKvHCA9UaCxoIXU9T9RbGg3VKh7VoRXQhO~3Ttq5eo5JkjnANi4S90jNezQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author"," Town Council of Winchester, CT","date","2025-08-04T00:00:00Z","article","Winchester — Board members and staff spent more than an hour Thursday debating proposed changes to the town’s Inland Wetlands and Watercourses ordinance, with the most contentious discussion focused on docks, moorings, shoreline markers and a proposed \"waiver\" or \"relief valve\" provision.

Assistant Planner Jeff Green and consultant Jeremy DeCarli presented a redlined draft of changes and called attention to edits such as reducing the required setback from shore for some devices from 50 to 40 feet and clarifying terminology for lifts and personal watercraft. Green said the updated draft also adds a new waiver section for limited relief in particular cases.

Selectwoman Candy Perez and other board members expressed concern about vesting waiver authority in a \"local traffic authority\" (LTA) or another body that lacks the technical training of the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency (IWWA). Resident and longtime ordinance volunteer Shirley All (documented in the packet) told the board she believes state statutes (chapter 22a provisions cited in discussion) give the municipal IWWA the authority over regulated activities and that delegating certain powers could conflict with state law. \"I don't believe putting a waiver in is necessary or appropriate,\" a packet excerpt attributed to Shirley read, urging attorney review.

Discussion highlighted practical problems residents report on the lake: unauthorized line markers and private buoys are proliferating, sometimes well beyond the 40‑foot or 50‑foot limits in current rules; it can be difficult to determine whether a marker has a state permit; and enforcement responsibility was unclear. \"Well, that's what I'm asking. Is there do we have something in there that we're gonna to take care of this problem?\" one board member asked. Green and others noted that DEP ultimately issues permits for some markers but that local enforcement — police and the Inland Wetlands Agency — typically handle day‑to‑day issues.

The board asked staff to obtain a legal opinion from the town attorney about whether the proposed waiver language would conflict with Connecticut General Statutes (discussion referenced 22a‑38 and 22a‑42) and to work with the IWWA before initiating the three‑meeting ordinance adoption process. Members suggested moving any waiver or \"relief\" language into the same section that already governs new structures or docks so the provision would be clearly dock‑specific rather than broad.

No vote was taken on the ordinance. Town staff said they would prepare a revised 95‑to‑100% draft for the board, circulate it to the IWWA and the town attorney, and then begin the required three‑meeting adoption process once the board is satisfied with the language. The selectmen asked staff to schedule IWWA review in advance of the board’s September meeting so the process can proceed in early fall.

Why it matters: Lakefront owners, boaters and waterfront visitors could see rules clarified or tightened on dock length, swim‑area markers and private moorings. Board members repeatedly emphasized they did not want to rush a change that could invite legal challenges or inconsistent enforcement.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Winchester Town Board of Selectmen Regular Meeting - August 4, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Winchester — Board members and staff spent more than an hour Thursday debating proposed changes to the town’s Inland Wetlands and Watercourses ordinance, with the most contentious discussion focused on docks, moorings, shoreline markers and a proposed \"waiver\" or \"relief valve\" provision.","taxTitle","Winchester Town, Litchfield County, Connecticut","taxId",80535,"location","Connecticut","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6143043,"Board approves higher land-use application fees, effective Oct. 1",713,1842000,2555000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5540356-794256198c7cbf277bfce3a0188a4220&start=1842&end=2555","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5540356-794256198c7cbf277bfce3a0188a4220/thumbnail_1842000.jpg","/articles/6143043/Connecticut/Board-approves-higher-land-use-application-fees-effective-Oct-1","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6143043-b0337242171d8da2aaeefef65748b9eb/orig.mp4?Expires=1774866550&Signature=eJfiW2C4UpWpNluCCuWMcx6tdSC41MbuXFQT1y-rzhcKHDGgP2x2CsR53OtH9wF1-HIwHyylAof7QQN-FcY4DgWdAvwoccVrv36LtERPp45LpF1PV9UKfrKVO862QWuZw~imxgC-u1qgMF4ScLe9HWXy-1ACzUZ0DkQLy6bjtkxycFTm4QE3oDkI27Wh60j8Vk0EM2Anry5c-pD29S13k30rj7Eiii2GYNT7pXsgeGU~VanNoK6993c6WXt98JLHjln5R3IDDP8dDzfOZMR4DP4iJkmdCUUCOMNyK3uZ-DOU8C845O69EDqEmnD6xWa4EypwSBDh7PkROqitxHXeig__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Winchester — The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously Thursday to raise multiple land‑use application fees for the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency and the Planning & Zoning Commission, setting the new rates to take effect Oct. 1, 2025.

Board members said the increases are intended to recover the town’s hard costs for processing applications, including state fees and legally required newspaper notices.

Assistant Planner Jeff Green and consultant Jeremy DeCarli presented a benchmarking analysis showing that many neighboring towns last updated fees years ago and that current local fees were not covering costs. \"The goal should be pay for play,\" DeCarli said, summarizing the consultants' view that contractor and applicant fees should cover staff time, DEP fees and required legal notices. Green noted that the town currently pays a $60 fee to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for each land‑use application and that public hearings can add several hundred dollars for legal notices.

The board discussed timing and public notice; members agreed to delay the effective date to Oct. 1 to allow applicants time to file under the lower rates and to give staff time to publish the new fees. Selectwoman Candy Perez asked that the town post a clear news item explaining the rationale and cost comparisons. The board directed staff to publish an explanatory notice on the town website and through the town's subscription channels.

Motion and outcome: A board member moved to accept the proposed Planning & Zoning and Inland Wetlands fee schedules \"as presented with an effective date of 10/01/2025.\" The motion carried unanimously. The board did not record individual roll‑call vote tallies in the minutes provided.

Background and next steps: The packet included two proposed fee schedules and a spreadsheet comparing fees from nearby towns. Staff said OpenGov (the town’s permitting system) would be updated before the Oct. 1 effective date. Officials also noted that increasing fees may prompt a short‑term rise in filings before the new rates begin.

The board noted this was a substantive change to long‑standing local practice and agreed to publicize the cost basis for the increases and the commissions’ prior review of the proposals.","The Winchester Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to raise inland wetlands and planning-and-zoning application fees to better cover legal-notice and state costs; the increases take effect Oct. 1, 2025.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6143028,"Town manager updates: Everbridge signup low on Spencer Hill; Eversource outages and tree grant; Bachelor School status",380,342000,722000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5540356-794256198c7cbf277bfce3a0188a4220&start=342&end=722","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5540356-794256198c7cbf277bfce3a0188a4220/thumbnail_342000.jpg","/articles/6143028/Connecticut/Town-manager-updates-Everbridge-signup-low-on-Spencer-Hill-Eversource-outages-and-tree-grant-Bachelor-School-status","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6143028-4c8d6ad0d3311d7cbc71517308c032d8/orig.mp4?Expires=1774866550&Signature=XpYBXqxk4yPDQj3r6iy9sidT-YzRrjm0GLZS0BFTbbYqJYif8SWZPYeiXwtf4m2tmjlDaKhbItcXtMujh9FpSNaRm7ejXexE88TIzVwyabbjLu3FERQfrgvQ02t9yS3SYJlbSbANA9h5OtVNE5umqiadNQ4lb2DVAc2JF4R2p9v4zzkmNlurcUPEYVgobiBTvAgYfFdOY-sFwWhEZHTB-ThGWp153sAJ8iwnwmVX~SBRsN4PEjTqr~2d94l2GpteJc9ZVIfiikDRYy9V9Qx4cTfHsUFBCvqtfPS0yzq5Xgl~AoF8Aj8rqjaD91dG0o5OodKrO4xHKE9uIqTEWLdClg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Winchester — Town Manager Paul Harrington reported developments on emergency notifications, utility work on Main Street, a tree‑replacement grant and the status of the Bachelor School property purchase during his regular report Thursday.

Everbridge signups: Harrington said he geofenced Spencer Hill to test the town’s Everbridge emergency notification system and discovered only 13 unique residents in that area had signed up to receive texts and emails. \"It does literally take a minute to register yourself,\" Harrington said, urging residents to subscribe through the town website so they receive outage or other emergency notifications.

Eversource utility work and Main Street impacts: Harrington said Eversource has been working on Main Street and on several occasions struck buried water lines, requiring town water department responses and emergency repairs. He told the board Eversource is reimbursing the town’s water department for time and materials related to those breaks and that the utility has acknowledged responsibility for damage and patching; one replacement light pole ordered by Eversource for the Town Hall frontage is on back order with an estimated two‑month wait. Harrington said the town applied for a $10,000 Eversource tree‑replacement grant through the 501(c)(3) Friends of Main Street to replace two recently removed trees and possibly additional Main Street trees removed over the years.

Bachelor School property: Harrington reported that the purchaser of the Bachelor School site expects to close on or before Oct. 30, 2025, and is \"very confident\" it will secure full funding by 2026 with construction to follow in 2026 and an opening targeted for 2027–2028, depending on conditions. He added the purchaser does not have all funding secured today but said they do not expect to collect rent before closing and that the purchaser will be responsible for property maintenance and vandalism costs once they take ownership.

Other updates: Harrington said union negotiations are progressing, the building inspector is testing for new certifications under an online testing regime, and the town has been using Everbridge for an automated property‑check alert service that successfully notified one resident when a mortgage was released.

Why it matters: The Everbridge signup levels and Eversource work affect emergency communications and Main Street accessibility; the Bachelor School sale has implications for an important vacant property and local redevelopment plans.","Town Manager Paul Harrington briefed the Board on low Everbridge signups in the Spencer Hill area, Eversource utility work that struck buried water lines and a $10,000 tree‑replacement grant application filed through Friends of Main Street; he also reported that the Bachelor School purchaser expects to close by Oct. 30.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6143033,"Speed camera pilot shows large share of motorists exceeding limits; board to seek vendors",5323,5441000,10764000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5540356-794256198c7cbf277bfce3a0188a4220&start=5441&end=10764","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5540356-794256198c7cbf277bfce3a0188a4220/thumbnail_5441000.jpg","/articles/6143033/Connecticut/Speed-camera-pilot-shows-large-share-of-motorists-exceeding-limits-board-to-seek-vendors","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6143033-54222c039b7d08b6ebca9d573f48fa7b/orig.mp4?Expires=1774866550&Signature=NoRZqSGe8w0o~XKYK8D-hDEMYK3hbBI3wlsLfJoD13omNDypPDyte2dsAHkemYUIrrlunRNJubdVjN0MWheIWHmclqr6Y1GdwlIOd7dlzD0aFCJHyg26hfJtwD05cA5Ndrt~YJiVuuf-DFNl4LibN0kuBvPo692ojUFhUazZTIMBQYJQBe3jxmepJTFT6-ZT3DQox24SlNEQ4VO23IhC5EgNkZQ~zGnBwXGeu-qKYTdow9E6iPn7hmnRNg5fhi2WYclwzWW27e6IavX7E8uZe3wbCr7sEjDLp749QMCetubM3UA8S~pqis4YUYQzahujyUEAdI0aCYh~9P5ZMt6APA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Winchester — Automated speed cameras deployed briefly in April recorded large rates of speeding at three Route 44 locations, and the Board of Selectmen directed staff to begin the vendor solicitation process to explore automated speed enforcement.

A board member who presented the study, calling out data collected by a firm the town engaged for short trials, said the company placed covert data‑collection cameras from late March through April at three northbound and southbound points on Route 44. The presenter reported 33,301 vehicles at one site with 25,303 recorded as speeding (75.9%), 43,049 vehicles at a second site with about 29,868 speeders (≈69%), and 38,589 vehicles at a third site with similar high speeding counts. The presenter said the maximum speeds recorded were as high as 148 miles per hour at one site and 113 miles per hour at another, and the average speed at one site was 53 mph.

The presenter cautioned that state law requires signage marking automated enforcement zones, and that the trial cameras were covert so drivers were not warned during the data collection. He told the board that Connecticut law sets the ticketing threshold at 10 mph over the posted limit and that the statutory fines are $50 for a first automated enforcement offense and $75 for a second within 30 days. He also said the statute prevents automated citations from adding DMV license points or being reported to insurers, but it does permit withholding vehicle registration for unpaid automated fines. The presenter said the vendor (SiteStream) would take $20 of each $50 citation as its fee; staff said the vendor normally handles citation processing and collections.

Board members asked whether the state DOT must approve locations (it must), whether signs are required (they are), and how long the town would wait between placing cameras and issuing civil citations (the first 30 days are typically warnings). The town manager and selectmen discussed an 8–12 month timeline to full deployment and that the DOT has a statutory 60‑calendar‑day review period for applications.

Direction: Without committing to a final vendor, the board concluded it should pursue an RFQ/RFP to gather multiple proposals, identify additional candidate locations (with emphasis on slowing traffic on Main Street), and query competing vendors about costs and collection rates. The board also asked staff to prepare maps of potential camera sites and to bring back specific locations for public hearing and DOT application steps if the board chooses to proceed.

Why it matters: The trial numbers indicate high rates of speeding along the tested segments; automated enforcement would be intended to reduce speeds and supplement officer presence, but state statute limits penalties and imposes procedural requirements.","A weeklong automated speed survey found roughly 70–76% of vehicles exceeded the posted speed at three Route 44 sites; the board directed staff to issue an RFQ/RFP to explore automated enforcement after staff and consultant briefings.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board opens lengthy review of wetlands ordinance; debate centers on dock rules and 'relief valve'

Board approves higher land-use application fees, effective Oct. 1

Town manager updates: Everbridge signup low on Spencer Hill; Eversource outages and tree grant; Bachelor School status

Speed camera pilot shows large share of motorists exceeding limits; board to seek vendors