Three Ordinances Approved—

Council Establishes Sewer And Water Authority

By Jan Howard

The Legislative Council voted unanimously on April 7 following a public hearing to establish a combined Sewer and Water Authority, a supplemental veteran’s property tax exemption, and an ordinance governing parking violations.

First Selectman Herb Rosenthal spoke in favor of the three ordinances, and Deputy Fire Marshal David Ober of Newtown Hook and Ladder supported the parking ordinance.

Under the Combined Sewer and Water Authority ordinance, the Water Pollution Control Authority is redesignated as the Water and Sewer Authority to plan and direct the development, acquisition, financing, construction, operation, and maintenance of water and sewer systems as required for the needs of the town.

The supplemental Veteran Property Tax Exemption ordinance provides for an additional exemption of $10,000 to the assessed value of an eligible veteran’s property. A veteran’s qualifying income should not exceed $41,200 for a single veteran or $45,000 for a married veteran. A veteran’s surviving spouse is also eligible for the $10,000 exemption if qualifying income does not exceed $41,200.

Under the parking violations ordinance, the Police Commission has the authority to post speed limit signs, traffic control signs, and signs prohibiting or restricting parking on town highways and upon town-owned property to protect public safety and town property. Among other provisions, the Police Commission is authorized to designate approved, privately owned garages as official towing stations where vehicles may be removed for storage. Under the ordinance, the Newtown Police Department has the authority to enforce all parking restrictions as violations.