Board of Selectmen — May 7, 2026
The meeting was largely routine, but tension arose during the discussion of proposed fee increases for parking permits.
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At the May 7 Board of Selectmen meeting, a proposal was introduced that could significantly increase costs for New London residents and visitors: a massive jump in guest beach parking permit replacement fees.
Currently, these fees are $25. The administration proposed raising them to $100, arguing that such a high cost is necessary to act as a 'deterrent' against permit abuse. During the discussion, Board members expressed skepticism, with some labeling the $100 fee as 'harsh' and suggesting that the town should consider tiered pricing rather than a single, steep penalty.
In addition to the permit fees, the Board is also considering ordinance updates that would increase fines for beach use and parking violations. While the Board showed internal disagreement on the severity of these fees, the direction suggests a push toward higher costs to manage public spaces.
As these ordinance updates move forward, it is vital for residents to stay informed about how these changes will affect the affordability of accessing our local beaches and parking facilities.
Public impact
Significant increase in replacement fees (from $25 to $100) and higher penalty fines.
Maintains a 3.5% franchise fee on video subscribers.
Topics discussed
Comcast presented a proposal for a five-year franchise renewal, which maintains existing terms such as a 3.5% franchise fee applied to video subscribers.
The Board of Trustees of Tracy Memorial Library requested the appointment of Elizabeth (Betsy) Gunby as an alternate trustee for a one-year term.
A request was made to waive usage fees for the garden for a scheduled event on June 28th.
Proposed updates to beach use, parking, and transfer station ordinances, including an increase in fines and replacement fees for guest beach parking permits.
A discussion regarding the source of $50,000 for the OER project and a review of the land acquisition fund balance.
A proposal to redirect the $500 trustee stipend from the Chair to the Bookkeeper (Lorie Shive) due to her workload.
Updates on Tree City USA distinction, the dispatch study vendor meeting, and an upcoming Eversource planned outage.
An update on the design and engineering progress for the DPW site, including potential locations for a police station.
Report from the water meeting regarding water usage, lead pipe investigations, and pump station repairs.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
Ordinance Updates and Fee Increases
Community vs. board tension
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
Member positions
Positions marked ~ are inferred from context and may not reflect the member's explicitly stated position. UNCLEAR means the vote was split but the record did not name how this member voted — it is not a “yes.”
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grok-4.3, gemma-4-26b, grok-4-fast, grok-4.20-0309-reasoning · analyzed 2026-06-01.
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