Winchester board adopts speed-camera ordinance; manager authorized to submit sites to state

The Winchester Town Board of Selectmen on Jan. 5 adopted an ordinance authorizing automatic traffic-enforcement safety devices (ATESD) and authorized the town manager to take implementation steps, including submitting site data to the Connecticut Department of Transportation.

Town Manager Paul Harrington told the board this was the third meeting on the ordinance and recommended no changes. He said the ordinance would "take effect 15 days after I get it up online tomorrow" and that the manager is authorized "to take all necessary actions to implement the ordinance, including submission to the Connecticut Department of Transportation in coordination with all applicable state agencies." Harrington also warned that a data-collection device used to gather site statistics had been destroyed in Norfolk, delaying the town’s ability to add a proposed fourth camera until sufficient data are available.

Why it matters: Adoption clears the administrative steps needed to apply for state approval of speed-camera locations. Harrington said the town will submit site information to DOT and that DOT has a 60-day window to respond approving or rejecting camera sites. That process determines whether the three proposed cameras can be installed and whether the board could later seek a fourth camera if supporting data become available.

Board action and context: A selectman moved to adopt the ATESD ordinance and authorized the town manager to implement it and submit required materials to state agencies. The motion was seconded and the board approved the ordinance. The town manager said the ordinance would allow the town to "start applying and potentially getting the speed cameras up on those three particular areas" once state approval is received.

Votes at a glance (actions recorded at the Jan. 5 meeting): - ATESD ordinance — Motion to adopt and authorize implementation and DOT submission: approved (board recorded as passing the motion). The manager said the ordinance would become effective 15 days after online posting and that DOT has a 60-day review period. - Charter Revision Commission selection process — Motion to begin selection (five voting members, two nonvoting selectmen liaisons; exclusions and residency requirements specified for the selection process): approved, 5-0. - Appointment of Kevin Nelligan as town attorney — Approved following RFP process (one proposal); Harrington cited Nelligan’s 32 years of municipal-law experience. - Appointment of Kevin Burgio to a commission seat (term to April 2027) — Approved, 5-0. - Police cruiser purchase ($66,602.10 from the police revolving account) — Approved; manager explained the fund balance and said funds were sufficient.

What officials said: Harrington emphasized the need to proceed with the three cameras and collect required data for any additional camera requests, noting the town’s analysis device was destroyed in transit to a data-collection site. "We have the 60 day window where they have to respond that, yes, those 3 cameras are approved or no, those 3 cameras are not approved or 1 is or 2 is," he said.

What happens next: The manager will post the ordinance online, submit site data to DOT as authorized by the board and return to the board with any additional findings or to request approval for further cameras, pending DOT’s response and availability of analysis data.

Notes: The ordinance discussion referenced Connecticut statutory and procedural requirements for municipal speed-enforcement programs and prior public hearings on Dec. 18; Harrington said hearing materials and supporting documents are posted on the town website.

Ending: The board approved the ordinance and several administrative items and moved on to other agenda business.