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Committee presses Selectmen for clarity on automated-enforcement RFP and safety recommendations
Summary
Committee members reported the Board of Selectmen only moved forward on an automated traffic enforcement ordinance and vendor RFP and urged the BOS to clarify intentions on other safety recommendations, including rumble strips and camera placement.
Committee members told their July 15 meeting they are concerned the Board of Selectmen has only yet authorized drafting an ordinance and issuing an RFP for automated traffic-enforcement devices while leaving other committee recommendations unaddressed.
Nick Ferris said the committee’s recommendation that rumble strips on Route 87 were intended "not necessarily as speed control, but for safety reasons," and noted the BOS had voted against installing the rumble strips but has discussed revisiting the topic. Town Administrator Mark Walter said the BOS authorized starting an RFP process for vendors and that staff will confirm whether the town should seek vendor input before finalizing a state-mandated safety plan.
Members discussed enforcement coordination: Jennifer Bonaiuto reported Willimantic dispatch offered assistance for enforcement, and Walter said coordination with Columbia’s resident state trooper was delayed because of vacations and training. Beth Lunt said Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) will replace all speed-limit signage in town, but she did not have a replacement date. Committee members also discussed mobile speed-sign locations and potential grants to fund them.
Ferris suggested the BOS consult the town attorney on the legal distinctions between civil citations and due-process protections before the committee or the board proceeds with enforcement recommendations.
