Waterford selectmen approve utility and school tech spending; zoning board denies parkway zone change
Waterford's Board of Selectmen approved more than $414,000 in utility and school technology appropriations at its June 23 meeting, while the Planning & Zoning Commission denied a zone change for 140 Waterford Parkway South in a split vote.
Board of Selectmen
The selectmen approved two Utility Commission appropriations: $100,000 for the Cross Country Sewer Main Access project (3-0) and $45,671 for the Water Tank Management program (3-0).
On Board of Education technology purchases, the board's path was less straightforward. A motion to table the initial Chromebook and desktop computer contract failed. The board then amended the Apple Inc. contract to remove desktop computers (3-0) before approving a $46,389 Apple Inc. Chromebook contract (2-1). It also approved a $222,353 Meraki network upgrade contract with Total Communications, Inc. (3-0).
A June 22 selectmen agenda had outlined a larger set of items for review, including a proposed $200,000 addition to the Water Distribution System Emergency Capital Reserve and $691,188 in total school computer contracts. Minutes for that session have not yet been published.
Planning & Zoning Commission
The commission denied a zone change for 140 Waterford Parkway South from IP-1 to I-MF and R-40, citing traffic, utility, and planning concerns. The vote was 2-3.
The commission approved a coastal site plan (PL-26-12) for a new home at 8 Race Rock Road (5-0) and granted a 90-day extension for a subdivision at 97 Spithead Road (5-0).
Harbor Management Commission
On July 1, the commission reviewed a Connecticut DEEP permit for dock restoration at 54 Shore Road and found the scope consistent with the Harbor Management Plan, with no interference to harbor activities. Commissioners agreed by consensus.
The commission also approved its June 3 meeting minutes unanimously, agreed to send reminder emails to 25 mooring applicants who have not yet responded, and agreed to work with the Town Attorney to update the Harbor Management Plan and maps over the fall and winter. Members discussed an upcoming meeting with Three Belles about a kayak trail.
Meetings cancelled
The Design Review Board's June 23 meeting and the Conservation Commission's June 25 meeting were both cancelled. The Conservation Commission is scheduled to resume regular business on July 9.
Agenda-only items
Several bodies met or are set to meet with only agenda information available:
- The Recreation & Parks Commission on June 23 was scheduled to consider a facility fee waiver request for the Tom Thurlow Class of 1975 pavilion reunion.
- The Utility Commission on June 23 was set to discuss a water rate study update, the interlocal water agreement with the City of New London and Veolia, and personnel reviews for a Sewer Tech 1 and Compliance Enforcement Tech.
- The Zoning Board of Appeals on July 1 was scheduled to hear variance requests ZBA-26-8 at 156 Butlertown Road and ZBA-26-9 at 20 Laurel Street.
- The Oswegatchie Fire Station Building Committee on July 3 was set to review invoice payments, a building permit, and a change order process deferred pending Steve Smith's return.
Coming up
- **Board of Selectmen, July 7:** Will vote on a $261,744 FY26 out-of-series transfer covering training, software, contractual obligations, and blizzard overtime; a $162,214 contract with US Digital Designs for the Oswegatchie Fire Alerting System; a $50,000 transfer from police to animal control to offset a deficit; a $45,233 appropriation for fire employee accrued time payout; and a $25,900 in-series transfer for Youth & Family Services. An appointment to the Economic Development Commission is also on the agenda.
- **Ethics Commission, July 7:** Will review a $30.99 budget transfer from Professional Fees and discuss storage of procedural notes, plus an update from the RTM Legislation and Administration Subcommittee.
- **Shellfish Commission, July 8:** Will discuss commercial shellfish lease renewals, Riverside Grocery permit sales collection, online recreational permit sales, and the treasurer's report.
Earlier weeks
- week of 2026-06-29 — Waterford roundup: Zone change denied; Selectmen OK $414K in spending
Generated from official meeting agendas and minutes — every underlying document is linked from the city page. Read the primary source before you rely on a detail.