Winchester staff to send dock/ mooring ordinance to selectmen; commission notes staffing and fee concerns

Summary

Town staff told the commission the draft docking and mooring ordinance will go to the Board of Selectmen in July and that staff will also propose fee changes for land‑use applications; commissioners were reminded the commission still has two vacancies and were asked to consider a liaison to the Highland Lake Watershed Association.

Town staff told the Winchester Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission on June 18 that a draft docking and mooring ordinance will be forwarded to the Board of Selectmen at its second July meeting for consideration.

Staff said the same July meeting will include a proposal to adjust land‑use application fees and advertising costs to cover municipal expenses; staff noted some application types currently cost the town more to process than the fees collected. Commissioners were invited to attend the selectmen meeting if they wish to answer questions.

Commission members also discussed internal matters: the commission currently has two vacancies and members urged recruitment for those openings. Staff asked the commission to consider appointing a liaison to the Highland Lake Watershed Association to maintain communication between the commission and the watershed group.

Staff closed by reminding applicants to provide complete submissions; commissioners reiterated that incomplete or vague applications slow processing and urged applicants to consult staff ahead of meetings.