WILTON – The Conservation Commission is backing a petition to prohibit motorized boats on the New Reservoir. It is too small, too shallow, has no boat launches, and is a matter of public safety. Member Jennifer Beck represented the Commission at the regular meeting of the Select Board on Monday, July 11.

Although the reservoir is town owned, she said, “It is public water and falls under the jurisdiction of the state.” The restriction would be limited to “petroleum-based watercraft,” allowing electric trolling motors. “The reservoir is mostly for canoes and kayaks. “Currently, the only access for boats is at the small beach where there are swimmers.

Beck said the idea is to preserve the rural character of the area and protect the water quality and wildlife habitat.

A petition signed by at least 25 registered voters has to be submitted to the state, which will conduct a public hearing. Beck said abutters will be notified and a Commission member will collect the signatures and file the petition. She will work with Town Administrator Nick Germain to prepare and submit the petition.

In other business, the board again discussed the town seal, which of many versions should be the official one, and what it should be used on. Most of the versions feature the Town Hall. Beck, representing the Economic Development Committee, said there has apparently been some confusion between the town seal and the streetscape used by the EDC as a marketing tool. It is used on signs and promotions. She called it a “logo,” not an official seal.

Fire Chief Don Nourse said the seal used on the fire trucks dates to “at least 1957, and the current one is from the 1980s or 1990s.”

No one suggested that seals currently on vehicles be changed.

Germain said the board should select one for use on official documents.

Select Board Chairman Kermit Williams said, if it was to be used on vehicles, it should be easy to read.

Resident Tom Schultz said it could be circular with “Town of Wilton” around the outside.

Selectman DJ Garcia said, “A seal is a statement from the town. A logo is for marketing.”

Beck said, “Give me some requirements and I’ll come back with something, something official, and more options.”

Those requirements included a seal that is an updated and modern version of the Town Hall, one that is easy to read, reproducible, available in both color and black and white.

The board postponed the adoption of an IDDE (Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination) ordinance until the Planning Board and town counsel have finished a review.

A property tax abatement was approved for the Masonic Lodge, as a charitable institution. Selectman Matt Fish said he withdrew his objections after learning more about their civic involvement.

Proposed updates to the town’s Personnel Policy include changes to sections involving remote work, maternity leave and tuition reimbursement. Germain will make the requested changes for a future meeting.

Germain said no bids had been received to install a crash bar on the Maple Street entrance to the Town Hall Theater. He will try to find a local contractor.

Cheryl Williams was named an alternate to the Board of Cemetery Trustees.

Kermit Williams suggested everyone read an article in The New York Times about the Croydon School District budget, which was slashed, mainly by a very low turn-out of voters.

“Everyone needs to get out and vote,” he said.

The next meeting was set for Monday, July 25, 6 p.m., in the Town Hall Court Room.