WILTON – The Board of Selectpersons scheduled a public hearing for Jan. 21 that would address proposed changes to the Parking and Traffic Ordinance brought to discussion at Tuesday night’s meeting.
The issues were brought to the attention of Town Manager Rhonda Irish by several residents, she said. Road signs are being proposed for Preston and Gilbert Streets that will deny access for any commercial vehicles. The same signs already exist on Lake Road due to the high amount of foot traffic. Residents were concerned that vehicles accessing Lake Road via Gilbert or Preston Streets might not see the existing signs.
Another issue was raised regarding parking on Main Street; residents reported finding several types of vehicles, such as contractors, moving vans and food trucks, parked longer than the three hour time limit. The suggested ordinance change would require such vehicles to obtain permission from the town and possibly a permit for extended parking hours.
Sewer and Water Department Superintendent Heinz Gossman provided an overview of the 2020 budget which had only minor increases, he said.
If approved, a 12.8 percent increase in salaries would cover the hiring of an additional employee. Gossman said ideally a new employee would be licensed for both water and sewer tasks and hopefully mechanically inclined. The only other notable increase in the budget is due to expected price increase in chemicals, Gossman said.
In other news, the department is looking at offering online fee payment options for resident which would require significant programming and annual fees of $2,400 for both the town and the sewer/water department.
If it means that my water/sewer bill goes up, I’d just as soon mail in a check as opt for the “convenience” of online bill pay thank you.
Inevitably water/sewer will make another rate increase. In the long run it will increase the taxes as well. Maybe they should just look into accepting credit/debit at the town office. I’m sure the customer would be happy to pay a small fee to use the service. The water/sewer bills are already sky high.
Hard to believe that townsfolk are complaining about contractors working on fixing up Maine street buildings for property owners, would they prefer it to decay further?
Is it really so bad that there is a food truck in town offering good food at decent prices a few time during the summer months?
What do people want, a down town with dilapidated buildings and no signs of life? Making things harder for those trying to better “Down Town” Wilton is pretty darn self defeating for the town as a whole.
Completely agree with J.S. I want parking to be an issue, where I would have to look for a parking spot. Walk a little…there is more to the downtown.
Agreed. Are people really complaining about a food truck? It was awesome to see downtown busy with an actual line of people waiting. Given all the empty storefronts, I’m in favor of ACTIVITY.
Jon, youare right and that is why the town is in the position it is in.
Still think it’s outrageous these food trucks are allowed to squander around the areas competing with owners of tax paying restaurants.
So be it, you may be overestimating the glory of owning a food truck. As they may not have traditional expenses associated with a brick and mortar restaurant, they are not without expenses, taxes, and subject to the same health inspections. What may appear easier from an outside perspective may be just as false as the greeness of your neighbors lawn.
As for the entire discussion, Congratulations to the Wilton Select Board for coming up with a wonderful solution to a problem that didn’t exist! We’re all proud. (Yes, very much sarcastic)
To the few who invite food trucks, hire local contractors to repair and upgrade the downtown, and to those who frequent these “parking ordinance breaking rebels”, I salute you!