Kent adopts two ordinance amendments

KENT — Amendments to two town ordinances passed with little public comment at a seven-minute town meeting held Wednesday, Dec. 6, at the Town Hall, attracting 33 residents to consider the proposed changes.

A change to the Inland-Wetlands Watercourse ordinance in the section regulating citations was adopted by a vote of 21-7. The revision would strengthen enforcement by implementing a system of fines for violations or noncompliance with regulations. The fines will be $1,000 for each citation for prohibited activity within a wetland or watercourse, and $500 for each citation for prohibited activity within a setback or upland activity.

Speaking in opposition to the ordinance was resident Matt Starr, who said that the change is “premature,” and that regulations are lacking fairness and consistency as they presently stand. He felt that the public may not understand the consequences of implementation.

No questions or comments were raised in connection with an ordinance change affording property tax abatement to local emergency personnel, including firefighters, EMTs, paramedics and ambulance drivers under the Kent Volunteer Fire Department. The vote to adopt the change was unanimous.