Newtown Ordinance Subcommittee Advances Draft Peddling And Solicitation Regulations

NEWTOWN, CT — The Legislative Council Ordinance Subcommittee voted unanimously on Aug. 18 to move forward with draft regulations addressing peddling and solicitation in town, setting the stage for broader consideration and public input.

The special meeting, held at the Municipal Center, was attended by committee members Laura Miller, Jill Soderholm, Ben Ruben and Chair Jordana Bloom, with First Selectman Jeff Capeci and Deputy Police Chief Bryan Bishop also present. Committee member Tom Long was absent.

Discussion focused on whether to assign a new charge on the issue, which has previously been rejected twice by the full council. Members agreed to explore alternative options for regulation this time, including tightening enforcement and permitting, shifting oversight from the First Selectman’s office to the Police Department, or pursuing a complete ban. Exceptions were suggested for nonprofits, political activities and religious speech.

First Selectman Capeci was asked to contact officials in Ridgefield, which enacted a similar ban in 2018, to provide feedback on their experience. The subcommittee also reviewed a recent ordinance passed in Washington, Connecticut, along with revenue and incident data.

Jill Soderholm made a motion to move the idea of a new charge to the full council for reconsideration and potential revisions to the ordinance, which Miller seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Deputy Chief Bishop participated in a discussion about potential questions and concerns that might arise at a public hearing. Members stressed the need for community input, noting the possibility of controversy.

A second motion, made by Miller and seconded by Ruben, also passed unanimously, advancing the draft ordinance to the full Legislative Council for consideration under the town charter.

The subcommittee agreed to place the matter before the Legislative Council in September to begin the formal process of potentially adding the ordinance to the town’s Code Book.

The meeting adjourned at 8:47 p.m.