Milford Aldermen Approves New School Vending Regulations for Enhanced Safety

MILFORD, CT — The Board of Aldermen unanimously approved at its December meeting an amendment regarding vending regulations.

The amendment focuses on Chapter 17, Peddlers, Solicitors, Itinerant Vendors and Managing Itinerant Vendors, Article III. Street Sales of Certain Commodities Restricted, Section 17-32, Vending Regulations and Restrictions, of the Milford Code of Ordinances.

Alderman Pacelli reported that the Ordinance Committee met and voted to forward this ordinance. Alderman Healy stated that the purpose of the ordinance is to enhance safety. The new regulations would require vendors to complete and receive approval through a facilities use application from school administration.

Jeffrey Nielson, Director of Security and Safety for Milford Public Schools, clarified that the measure is not a ban on vendors but rather a way to provide a safer environment. He explained that the current ordinance allows vending only one hour before or after school, and the proposed change would extend to school-sponsored events, enhancing overall safety, including traffic flow.

Nielson noted that there have been difficulties with vendors in the past, confirming that vendors had been present on school property and were asked to leave. He stated that approval for vendors would be provided in written form. Nielson, who served as a Milford police officer for 20 years, emphasized the proactive and preventive nature of the ordinance.

Alderman Federico expressed support for the ordinance, understanding it as a means to ensure unapproved vendors can be removed from school property. Attorney Berchem explained that the Police Department maintains a roster of vendors and could potentially send notifications. The ordinance will also be publicly noticed.

This article includes AI-assisted reporting. Editors reviewed all content for accuracy.