Torrington council adopts package of code changes: economic development merger, fair rent update, traffic fines revised, arts panel dissolved

The Torrington City Council on Aug. 4 adopted several changes to the city’s code of ordinances that reassign commissions’ duties, update parking and traffic fines and repeal the Arts and Culture Commission.

The package included: adoption of revisions to Chapter 20 (Economic and Community Development Commission), adoption of revisions to Chapter 24 (Fair Rent Commission), adoption of revisions to Chapter 194 (Vehicles and Traffic), and repeal of Chapter 3A (Arts and Culture Commission). Council votes on each item were taken by roll call and were unanimous.

Council members and staff said the revisions aim to consolidate responsibilities where attendance and quorum had limited action historically. Councilwoman Mary Rouette said the two bodies struggled to attract members and that merging would improve efficiency. William Wallach, who spoke during the discussion, said the Cultural District committee has supplanted many duties previously assigned to the Arts and Culture Commission and that reallocating remaining arts-related…