Selectmen approve authorizing Meo Point joint care agreement with state

The Waterford Board of Selectmen reviewed and authorized a draft joint care and management agreement with the State of Connecticut covering a state-owned parking parcel at Meo Point. Attorney Rob Aino told the board the agreement "is for an initial 15 years" and allows the town to request renewal in writing once the term nears its end.

Aino described the arrangement as a way to provide coordinated parking and public access: the parcel will remain state-owned, but the town will manage signage, parking rules, maintenance and enforcement so fishermen, restaurant patrons and the general public can use the lot. "One thing we've promised is we'll not assess parking use or other fees down there," Aino said, clarifying that use will be free while rules are posted and enforced.

The agreement sets out mutual termination rights: either the state or town may end the contract with 90 days' written notice. Maintenance responsibilities were discussed in detail; Aino confirmed the town will provide listed maintenance items up to a cost cap of $9,500 per fiscal year for those service items. Selectman Rich raised a workers' compensation question about Schedule B's insurance levels and whether the statutory minimums were appropriate; Aino replied that "that's the minimum requirement" and noted the town carries higher coverage.

Board members pressed for a timeline on outstanding work. The parties said remaining electrical and lighting work is budgeted and expected to be completed by summer, weather permitting. The board approved forwarding the signed agreement to the state for review by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the attorney general's office; final state sign-off is required before the contract is fully effective.