The Waterfront Park Association, Inc.
Coventry Lake, Coventry, CT
Association Bylaws
Revised, Amended, and Adopted April 2025
BYLAWS
Article I-Purpose
The purpose of The Waterfront Park Association, Incorporated (hereinafter WPF or
Association) is to provide for the maintenance and improvement of the Association’s land, water
and recreational facilities, and for the health, comfort, protection and convenience of the
inhabitants and landowners thereof, in accordance with, and within the provisions of Special
Acts of Connecticut, House Bill No. 1936,350 (Approved on June 30, 1955).
Article II-Boundaries
The limits and territory of said Association are as set forth in Section 2 of said Special Act: All
land situated in the town of Coventry as shown on a map entitled “Waterfront Park” owned and
developed by Waterfront Park Reality Co., South Coventry, June 1934 and November 1935 by
Sperry and Rand, Inc. Civil Engineers. This map is on record in the files of the Town Clerk’s
office in Coventry, CT. (Any changes to these original boundaries are on file in the Town Clerk’s
office, Coventry, CT)
Article III-Voting Eligibility
Section 1-Land Ownership
(a) Each landowner who has reached the age of majority shall, while he/she continues to
own land within the said limits, be a member of the WFP, is taxable by the Association,
in prescribed form, and shall be entitled to vote and hold office in said Association if
his/her taxes are paid.
(b) Joint ownership of at least 50% interest in any lot of record shall be entitled to one vote
individually. All owners of fractional or undivided interests in any lot of record shall be
considered as one member for the purpose of voting and shall be entitled collectively to
one vote to be cast as the majority in interest shall determine.
(c) No member shall have more than one vote.
Section 2-Tax Status
Members who have not paid their taxes to WFP Tax Collector will not be entitled to vote at the
annual or any special meeting (exceptions-See Article VIII, Section 1(c). Taxes may be paid by
cash or certified check prior to the beginning of any Annual or Special meeting.
Article IV- Executive Board
Section 1-Board Membership & Terms of Office
(a) The Executive Board is composed of six members duly elected at the annual meeting of
the Association or appointed on a temporary basis by the President to fill vacancies
occurring between annual meetings. Board members appointed on a temporary basis
must then receive a majority vote of a quorum of the Executive Board members at their
next meeting. Any member added to the Executive Board through temporary
appointment must be nominated to fulfill the remainder of their term at the next annual
meeting. All Executive Board Members must be in good standing, and have their taxes
paid to date. The Tax Collector shall be appointed by the Executive Board from the
Association membership and will be a non-voting member of the Executive Board. The
Executive Board may appoint a Tax Collector from outside the Association if an
Association member cannot be found to fill the position. If a non-Association member is
appointed as Tax Collector, the Executive Board must review this appointment on a
annual basis to try to find an Association member to fill the position of Tax Collector.
(b) The six members of the Executive Board are elected for three-year terms. Two shall be
elected each year to replace the two members whose terms expire.
Section 2-Duties of the Executive Board
(a) At its first meeting each fiscal year, The Executive Board shall elect, by ballot, from its
members, a President, Vice President. Treasurer and Secretary who shall hold office for
one year from the date of their election and until their successors have been duly elected.
(b) It shall assume and be responsible for the care, custody and management of all funds and
property of the Association.
(c) It has the power to make regulations for the management and control of such property,
and for the transfer and conveyance thereof, when assembled according to Special Acts
of Connecticut, House Bill No. 1936,350, Section 11.
(d) It has the authority to regulate the method of taxation and collection, according to
Special Acts of Connecticut, House Bill No. 1936, Section 20.
(e) When duly assembled, it has the power to make, alter, amend, repeal and enforce bylaws,
regulations and ordinances not contrary to National, State or Town laws per Special Acts
of Connecticut, House Bill No. 15936, 350, Section 12.
Article V-Officers
Section 1-Duties of Officers
(a) President: Shall preside over all meetings of the Association and of the Executive Broad,
except at those meetings when the majority vote of all members present serves to elect
a chairperson for the time being or except wherein the President chooses to relinquish
the chair to the next in line present so as to pursue any cause or matter as purely a
member, or except when the President absents him/herself. He/she is “ex officio”
chairperson of the Executive Board. In the absence of a specially appointed Tax
Collector, or the inability of the Tax Collectors, and must keep him/herself in a position
to do so until a replacement Tax Collector is appointed or oriented.
(b) Vice President: Shall assist the President, and during the President’s absence or inability
to act, will perform all duties and exercise all the powers of the President.
(c) Treasurer: Shall receive and duly record all monies paid, given or entrusted to the
Association, and disburse them as determined by the rules and Bylaws of the
Association. Render a detailed report of monies received and paid out at all Executive
Board meetings and the annual and special meetings of the Association. In the absence
of a specially appointed Tax Collector, or the inability of the Tax Collector to act, the
Treasurer and President shall serve as Co-Tax Collectors and must keep him/herself in a
position to do so until a replacement Tax Collector is appointed and oriented. The
Association shall pay for corporate security bonds for the Treasurer and Tax Collector in
such an amount as may be fixed by the Executive Board.
(d) Secretary: Shall accurately record all transactions, proposals and votes of the Association
and of the Executive Board. Read the minutes of the previous meeting at each
subsequent meeting. Have custody of and preserve all records and papers except those
kept by the Treasurer and the Tax Collector.
(e) The above officers shall function without pay or salary or any remuneration except
annual expenses.
Section 2-Duties of the Tax Collector (Non-voting Executive Board member)
(a) At the annual meeting the Tax Collector will make available a list of WFP members who
have not paid their taxes due the previous July, as well as taxes from previous years not
paid. Members with taxes in arrears will be encouraged to pay their taxes by May 1 to
avoid having a lien placed on their property.
(b) Based on the mil rate established at the annual meeting, the Tax Collector shall prepare
a list of the assessed values of the property owned by the Association members and will
calculate taxes due from each property owner for the current year, with tax bills mailed
to each member by July 1. The list of each member’s assessment, tax due, as well as
taxed in arrears will be presented to the Executive Board.
(c) The Executive Board will direct the Tax Collector to send Tax Collector’s demand letters
by mail to property owners with taxes in arrears, notifying them of the total taxes due, as
well as any fees incurred by the Association to collect these taxes. The Executive Board
will direct the Tax Collector to send Intent to Lien notices by mail to property owners
with taxes in arrears, notifying them of the current taxes due and that a lien will be
placed on their property(s) in 30 days.
(d) By June 30 of each year, the tax collector shall place liens against property where taxes
are one or more years in the arrears. Liens will be filed with Coventry Town Hall with
copies filed with the Executive Board.
(e) The Tax Collector, with the authorization of the Executive Board, has all the power of the
Collector of Town Taxes, and shall transmit the taxes to the Association Treasurer for
deposit as soon as possible to the Association bank account.
Section 3-Removal of Officers
(a) Removal of members of the WFP Executive Board, Tax Collector, or Chairpersons of a
Committee(s) may be affected by a 2/3 majority of the Association members at an
Association meeting or by 2/3 majority of the Executive Board in a closed session at any
of the Executive Board meetings.
(b) Two weeks prior to such a vote for removal, proper notice of such proposed removal
must be sent to the Executive Board member, Tax Collector or Chairperson involved, by
certified/return receipt requested mail. A full and recorded hearing will be offered to the
person being considered for the removal from the office before a vote of removal is
taken.
Article VI-Committees
Section 1-Appointment
(a) Regular committees may be appointed by the Executive Board, or by the President with
the consent of the majority of the Executive Board. Regular committees shall consist of a
chairperson and at least two members of the Association, whenever possible.
(b) Special Committees may be appointed by majority vote of the members at the annual or
special meetings, or by the Executive Board as needed.
Section 2- Regular Committees
(a) The Beach Committee, whose Chairperson shall be appointed by the Executive Board, is
responsible for the care and development of the Beach area.
(b) The Long-Range Planning Committee and Ways and Means Committee, created on a
“as need” basis, shall have a Chairperson appointed by the Executive Board and shall be
responsible for developing special projects for the Executive Boards consideration. The
Ways and Means committee would be responsible for raising funds for special events
(after Executive Board approval) and will transmit any funds raised to the WFP Treasurer.
(c) An Appeals Committee, composed of two members of the Executive Board, plus the
Association members (appointed by the Executive Board) shall be created each year. The
Appeals Committee shall meet with any Association members who request such a
meeting regarding any fines levied against the member. The Committee will hear the
arguments of the member(s) and then vote in a closed session regarding the disposition
of the fine. A simple majority will be required for action involving the appeal. The Appeal
Committee’s decision will be mailed to the member(s).
(d) A Social Committee shall have a chairperson appointed by the Executive Board and shall
be responsible for all Association events.
Article VII- Meetings
Section 1-Annual and Special Meetings
(a) The membership meets at WFP’s annual meeting between the second Sunday in April
and the second Sunday in May at one o’clock at an appropriate meeting site, with the
date, time and location specified in prior notice for members. At the annual meeting, the
election of the Executive Board members and annual tax mil rate will be voted upon by
the membership.
(b) A quorum of not less than ten members, including the Executive Board Members, must
be present at the annual or special meetings; otherwise, the meeting must be held on
another date when a quorum is obtained.
(c) Notice of the Annual or Special Meetings of the Association must be written and signed
by the President or Secretary on behalf of the Executive Board and given personally or
mailed at least ten days before the date of the meeting. Notices should contain brief
descriptions of (known) issues to be voted on at the meeting.
Section 2-Executive Boad Meetings
(a) Each year’s newly elected Executive Board shall meet as soon as possible after the
beginning of the July 1 fiscal year.
(b) The Executive Board shall meet quarterly as often as directed by the President (or Vice
President in the absence of the President) to conduct normal business. In case of
emergency matters that cannot be held until the next scheduled meeting, an Executive
Board meeting can be called to the request of three members. A majority of the
Executive Board shall constitute a quorum.
(c) Executive Board meetings are open to Association members. The Executive Board
reserves the right to limit portions of its meetings to the Executive Board only, in
accordance with The State of Connecticut Freedom of Information Act.
Article VIII-Taxes
Section 1-Assessments and Exceptions
(a) The WFP will determine the mil rate for each upcoming year at its annual meeting,
following the adoption of its budget. Special assessments for extraordinary expenses will
be proposed and voted on at the annual meeting.
(b) Tax notices will be mailed by the Tax Collector by July1. Interest on overdue tazes will
accrue from August 1 at the rate stated in the State of Connecticut Statues Pertaining to
the Assessment and Collectors of Local Property Taxes, Section 12-146.
(c) The Executive Board, by 2/3 vote may abate the taxes levied upon any person or
persons unable to pay their taxes. A homeowner seeking such abatement must request a
meeting with the Executive Board at least two weeks before tax bills are due and must
show reasonable cause for such tax relief. The Executive Board will consider each
request, vote in closed session on whether to grant each abatement, and notify the
member in writing of the Executive Boards decision. Each case of abatement must be
considered every year in view of the conditions of the applicant.
(d) All benefits and deferments allowed by the Town of Coventry will similarly be recognized
and allowed by WFP (i.e., Veteran’s Benefits, Senior Citizen’s Deferments, etc.). It will be
the responsibility of each Association member to notify the Tax Collector of any such
abatement and to present such written verification and documentation as may be
required.
Article IX-Expenditures and Care of Funds
Section1-Limit of Executive Board Expenditures
(a) The Executive Board is limited to $500 for any single unbudgeted contract or
commitment and to $1500 total of unbudgeted expenditures in one fiscal year. Amounts
more than these limits must be authorized by a vote of membership.
(b) No money shall be borrowed by the Executive Board without authority by vote of WFP
membership assembled at an annual meeting or special meeting.
Article X- Ordinances
Section 1-Community Living/Property Maintenance Ordinances
The following ordinance are set forth to assure our Association’s purpose as stated in Article I-to
provide for the maintenance and improvement of the Associations land, water and recreational
facilities, and for the health comfort, protection and convenience of the inhabitants. These
ordinances are not meant to be overburdening or overly restrictive, but are set forth to assure
the enjoyment and safety of all members. In all cases other than where Town of Coventry
ordinance or State of Connecticut statues are broken, members will be notified of the ordinance
broken and will be given seven days to correct behaviors or practices to obey ordinances before
a fine is assessed. Association fines for violation of ordinances are in parenthesis after each ordinance.
(a) All outside-stored household garbage should be contained in watertight containers, safe
from scavenging animals. As scattered garbage creates an unhealthy environment for all
Association members, violators will be reported to the Town of Coventry Health Officer.
(b) Improper disposal of or open burning of garbage or other materials is prohibited, and
violators will be reported to the appropriate Town of Coventry official.
(c) Drainage fields, septic tanks, cesspools, sump pump hoses, etc. must conform to town
and state ordinances, and cannot empty onto the sides of the road, or on or over
Association property. Violators will be reported to the Town of Coventry Health Officer.
(d) Owners are expected to maintain their property so that it is not overgrown with grass or
other vegetation, littered with leaves, tree limbs, garbage, etc. to restrict the view of
drivers or that which is so unsightly that it causes neighborhood blight. A $25 fine per day may be assed.
(e) All changes to property and buildings in the Association will be made in accordance with
all existing requirements of the Town of Coventry. Violators will be reported to
appropriate Town of Coventry officials.
Section 2-Beach and Park Ordinances
(a) WFP beach property gate will be latched, not locked, year-round, when it is closed.
Members may continue to volunteer to open and close the gate daily during the warmer
months. Members may use the beach/park area after dusk but must be respectful of
neighbors and if applicable must follow any town or state noise ordinances.
(b) Swimming at WFP’s beach and use of its property is restricted to members of WFP
(Whose tax obligations are up to date), their guests, and member’s tenants under lease or
rental agreements. Guests may use the beach provided they have the beach pass and the
member is home. Members who have not paid current taxes or have taxes in arrears will
be asked to leave the beach area until taxes are paid. A fine of $25a day may be
assessed. Bylaw change May 3, 2019.
(c) Non-members using WFP property will be asked to leave and if they do not comply the
Coventry Police will be called and ask to remove them for trespassing.
(d) All swimming is at one’s own risk, as WFP employs no lifeguards. For the safety of all
children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult member. Diving from the
rocks or other structures is not permitted.
(e) No fishing is permitted on WFP’s beach or roped-off swimming area at any time. A fine
of $25 per occurrence may be assessed.
(f) Open fires are not allowed on WFP’s beach or picnic area. An open fire may be allowed
in the parking lot area for a WFP sponsored event. Grills (propane only) may be used in
the picnic table area only. A $50 fine per occurrence may be assessed.
(g) No containers, cans or other trash shall be left on the beach, in the picnic area, or in the
parking lot or any WFP property. Trash must be disposed of in provided containers.
Diapers must be taken home for health reasons. Glass containers are not allowed on the
beach. $25 fine per occurrence may be assessed.
(h) The use of soap, shampoo and other cleaning agents on WFP property is prohibited. $25
fine per occurrence may be assessed and the Town of Coventry Health Officials will be notified.
(i) The use of tents or overnight camping on WFP property is prohibited. $50 fine per
occurrence may be assessed.
(j) Possession, consumption or dispensing of alcohol and illegal drugs on WFP property is prohibited.
(k) Activities which endanger people or willful damage WFP property, including and without
limit to bathrooms, picnic tables, fencing, trees, plantings, brush, or other vegetation is
prohibited. Violation of this ordinance will result in repair of damages with a bill being sent to violator.
(l) Dogs and other domestic animals can pose a danger (physical and/or health) to
members and are not permitted on WFP property. $50 fine per occurrence may be
assessed.
(m)Ducks and geese should not be fed on WPF property. This encourages birds to return
and creates a heath hazard with the bird droppings. $10 fine per occurrence may be assessed.
(n) Radios and other musical devices used on WFP must be used at a reasonable volume.
$25 fine per occurrence may be assessed.
(o) No motorized watercraft shall be moored, launched or beached in or within 25 feet of the
WFP designated swimming area. Canoes, kayaks and rowboats should not be launched
in the swimming area. A launch area is provided for these vessels. $25 fine per
occurrence may be assessed.
(p) Two season long mooring buoys are available for WFP member use. Applications for use
of a buoy must be made to the Executive Board and require proof of a boating license,
boat registration and boat insurance. Use of moorings without proper application and it’s
acceptance by the Executive Board is prohibited. $50 fine for day per occurrence may be assessed.
(q) WFP does not have or maintain swimming platforms or boat docks. No platforms or
docks shall be erected on WFP property. $50 fine per day may be assessed.
(r) Vehicles not legally allowed to be operated on Connecticut roads (i.e. all-terrain vehicles,
minibikes, snowmobiles, etc.) are prohibited from being ridden on, or across, or parked at
the beach parking lot or on any Association property. $50 fine per occurrence may be assessed.
(s) Overnight parking is not permitted in the beach parking lot. In emergency situations
where a car must be left in the beach parking lot, members are asked to notify an
Executive Board member. Any vehicle which is parked overnight on WFP property
without notification is subject to being towed at the owner’s expense.
(t) The WFP overflow parking area at the corner of Wangumbaug and Shore Drive may be
used by members for parking or for occasional use when the member’s driveway may be
full because of a private gathering at their residence. Members are asked to have guests
parked in an overflow lot to place a card on their windshield listing the WFP member’s
name, address and phone number. Any unidentified vehicles left parked overnight in the
overflow lot will be towed at the owner’s expense.
(u) The canoe and kayak rack on WFP property is for temporary seasonal use for its
members. All vessels must be removed from the canoe and kayak rack by October 31
each year and may not be placed on rack before May 15. Vessels left on the rack after
November 1 will be considered abandoned. If you do not remove your vessel by
November 1, you will be fined $50 as well as the cost for removal. You will also forfeit
your rights to have a vessel for the following year, and the $50 fine must be paid. (Bylaw
change April 27, 2025) Each household is entitled to apply for one vessel spot. To obtain
a spot, you must pick up an application from the Harbor Master and mail it with a check
for the season. If there are more applications than spaces available, a lottery will be
conducted from all applications that are received by April 30th of each year. Any late
applications will be added first come first serve. Nothing (chairs, rafts, toys etc. may be
left on the ground, under or attached to the rack. Items left behind will be disposed of.
Section 3-Prpoerty Owner Responsibilities
(a) Property owners are responsible for being aware of, to maintain a copy of and by virtue
of their membership, must abide by the WFP bylaws and ordinances.
(b) It is the responsibility of the Association property owners to make renters and guests
aware of the bylaws, and the owners are responsible for making sure that their renters or
guests abide by the bylaws and the ordinances.
Section 4-Limitations of Liability
The WFP, its Executive Board, and employees shall not be liable to any person for any injury to
a person or damage to property on or about WFP property, arising out of any violation of the
Association rules and ordinances or caused by the negligence or misconduct of any member of
the Association or that members guests or tenants.
Section 5-Penalties for Violation of WFP Association Ordinances
(a) First-time and minor violations of WFP rules and ordinances not involving property
damage, injury or cost to the Association will be enforced by means of a warning,
verbal or written, issued and documented by the Executive Board.
(b) Subsequent violations, or first violations that result in any property damage, injury to
others, or any costs to the Association will result in a fine being levied against the
violator and a report to the Coventry Police Department, where appropriate.
Section 6-Right to Appeal
(a) Any member fined for violation of a WFP rule or ordinance is entitled to a hearing
with the Appeals Committee to discuss the validity of the fine. This committee will
hear arguments of the member and then vote in closed session on the disposition of
the fine. The decision of the committee will be mailed to the member.
(b) Fines which are not paid within thirty days of issuance (or thirty days after a hearing
where the fine is appealed and upheld) will result in the Executive Board filing legal
action against the violator for the fine as well as the costs for filing the action.
Section 7-Severability
Should a court declare any section or portion of these rules or ordinances invalid, the remaining
sections or portions shall remain in force.
Article XI-Bylaws Revision and Governing Ordinances and Rules.
Section 1-Revision of Bylaws
The Executive Board shall be responsible for periodic review of WFP Bylaws and may ask for
input and comments from Association members. Proposed changes to WFP Bylaws must be
passed by 2/3 majority of the Executive Board. Additions/changes to the Bylaws shall be posted
for three days on a public signpost, established by the Executive Board, strategically located on
WFP property. The revised Bylaws will take effect and be enforced 15 days after approval of the Executive Board.
Section 2- Governing Rules and Order of Business Meeting
(a) In matters not governed by these Bylaws, Roberts Rules of Order will be referred to as an
authoritative guide.
(b) At Association and Executive Board meetings, the order of business shall be:
- Reading minutes of the previous meeting
- Reports of the Secretary and Treasurer
- Reports of the Tax Collector
- Reports of the Committees
- Unfinished business
- Members’ forum (floor open for discussion)
- New business, including presentation of budget, budget vote and mil rate.
- Elections
- Adjournment