their opinions, because the Applicants had their experts that were providing opinions.
He stated that Ms. Burdick does not only handle Planning & Zoning, noting that she
has a lot of other things on the table as well. He stated perhaps in a year from now,
they might not have any large Applications. However, he stated the way economic
development was going in Ledyard, that they could be seeing this level of work for
the foreseeable future. He stated this $75,000 was a good investment, noting as the
Mayor mentioned, should these Applications be approved that they would generate
tax revenue. He stated because of the workload the Planning & Zoning Commission
has scheduled two meetings a month, those being on second and fourth Thursdays
for September and October; and that he believed that they would need to do that for
the foreseeable future.
Ms. Burdick stated that she previously worked as Ledyard’s Land Use Director/Town
Planner for 3.5 years noting that during that time the Town had development, but that
she was able to do everything, noting that what was happening in Ledyard right now
was not the norm. She also commented on the amount of work involved should these
Applications be approved.
Councilor Ryan stated based on the development work and public facing that was
going on that he supported the request for additional funding. However, he
questioned whether the $1,000 per week be for more than one consultant. Ms.
Burdick responded stating that the Tyche Planning and Policy Group provided an
hourly rate, not to exceed $1,000 per week. She stated the Group had planners,
zoning enforcement officers, wetland agents, and others who were all very
experienced, and certified. She stated that she could send them a variety of things
which would be addressed by their professional in that area; and that they would also
be able to attend meetings if needed
Ms. Burdick went on to state that she also obtained quotes from Goman + York, and
CLA Engineers, who the Public Works Department uses, for when the Land Use
Department may need other types of consultant work.
Councilor Ryan noted that $1,000 per week for the remainder of this fiscal year
(24/25) was about $48,000, therefore, he questioned whether the Land Use
Department would use the remaining balance of $27,000 to contract with other
specialists that might be needed to support the Land Use Department; and whether
Ms. Burdick thought that more funding would be needed or if this was a Not to
Exceed $75,000. Ms. Burdick stated the request would be Not to Exceed $75,000
stating that she thought this was a good place to start, noting that they really did not
know at this time what would be needed. She stated this option would allow the
Land Use Department to have funding to choose from consultants for various things
for less than what it would cost to hire another employee, noting that a Planner
would cost about $80,000 a year plus benefits.
Councilor Ryan stated economic development was good to have, therefore, he
questioned whether it would be advantageous to continue the practice of contracting
with professionals and consultants; or would the town need to consider bringing
more staff on if this trend does not subside. Ms. Burdick stated that she and the
