Waterford authorizes 15-year joint care agreement with state for Meo Point parking and access

The Waterford Board of Selectmen voted on Feb. 10 to authorize a 15-year joint care and management agreement with the State of Connecticut covering parking and public access at Meo Point, and to authorize the first selectman to sign the draft agreement.

Attorney Rob Aino presented the draft agreement and said it formalizes shared use of a state-owned parking lot so fishermen, restaurant patrons and the general public can use the site alongside state operations. “The highlights of the agreement…are that the parking is available for general parking as well as for fishing and other activities at Meo Point,” Aino said. He told the board the agreement would go next to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Attorney General for review.

Under the agreement the town agreed to perform enumerated maintenance services and to fund certain maintenance items up to $9,500 per fiscal year for each listed service item. Aino said the town will enforce parking rules and will not charge parking fees; signage and rules have already been reviewed by the state. He also said the initial term is 15 years with the possibility of a written request to renew and negotiate a renewal term.

Selectmen raised technical and liability questions before voting. Selectman Rich Muckle asked about the workers’ compensation and employer liability insurance minimum in Schedule B and whether the statutory $100,000 minimum could be increased; Aino said the $100,000 figure is the statutory minimum and noted that the town carries higher coverage. Board members also asked about remaining electrical and lighting work at the site; Aino said that work is under contract, within budget and expected to be finished by summer pending weather.

The agreement includes mutual 90-day termination rights, indemnification clauses allocating responsibility for negligence, and a clause requiring the town to return the premises to the state in as-good-or-better condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted) if the contract ends. The board approved the motion to authorize the first selectman to sign the agreement and asked staff to obtain final clean copies for execution.

The board’s approval follows several years of coordinated planning aimed at improving access and infrastructure at Meo Point and to support nearby businesses and marine uses; the town emphasized the arrangement was intended to be cooperative with the state while protecting public access. Next steps are state review and signature by DEEP and the Attorney General, and final execution by the town.