Waterford Hearing To Review Jordan Park House Maintenance Ordinance

WATERFORD, CT — A Representative Town Meeting committee will hold a public hearing Nov. 9 on updating the Jordan Park House ordinance to reflect the Department of Public Works’ responsibility for servicing and maintaining the building.

The Public Health, Recreation and Environment Committee’s hearing begins at 6:30 p.m. Monday in the Appleby Room at Waterford Town Hall, 15 Rope Ferry Road.

A special committee meeting will follow. Members are scheduled to consider the proposed amendment and make a recommendation to the RTM based on the hearing, according to the public hearing notice, signed by committee Chair Narciss Greene.

Proposed Ordinance Changes

The draft amendment to Chapter 12.12 addresses responsibility for Jordan Park House, identified in the ordinance as the former Waterford library building now located in Jordan Park.

An editor’s note in the draft says a 2020 amendment to Chapter 2.20 changed responsibility for the building’s servicing and maintenance from the Recreation and Parks Commission to Public Works.

The proposed language also specifies that servicing and maintenance of the grounds remain under the Recreation and Parks Commission.

The draft retains the commission’s authority to schedule use of Jordan Park House. Its scheduling provisions give town agencies first priority for regular meetings, followed by community service organizations, private organizations with exclusively Waterford membership, and organizations with both local and out-of-town members.

Requests to use the house or park for fundraising would remain subject to the commission’s discretion.

Prior Review And Next Steps

The committee voted unanimously by voice vote Oct. 5 to advance Draft 3, incorporating revisions through that date, to a public hearing, according to the meeting minutes. The minutes describe discussion of revisions suggested by Town Attorney Kristi Kelly for consistency and clarification.

The Nov. 9 special meeting agenda also includes public comment and consideration of the Oct. 5 minutes.

The hearing and meeting packet includes the proposed ordinance revisions, hearing notice and prior minutes. Hard copies of the draft amendment and hearing agenda are available from the town clerk’s office at Town Hall.