741 Colonel Ledyard Highway  
Ledyard, Connecticut 06339  
TOWN OF LEDYARD  
Finance Committee  
Meeting Minutes  
Chairman S. Naomi  
Rodriguez  
Regular Meeting  
Wednesday, July 17, 2024  
5:00 PM  
Town Hall Annex Building - Hybrid  
Format  
In -Person: Council Chambers, Town Hall Annex Building  
Remote Participation: Information Noted Below:  
Join Zoom Meeting from your Computer, Smart Phone or Tablet:  
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84768940675?  
pwd=dYEbTav1MySKWeUKB18PHahBL6D1wg.1  
by Audio Only: Telephone: +1 646 558 8656; Meeting ID: 847 6894 0675; Passcode:  
147065  
I
CALL TO ORDER  
the Meeting was called to order by Committee Chairman Councilor Saccone at 5:00  
p.m. at the Council Chambers Town Hall Annex Building.  
Councilor Saccone welcomed all to the Hybrid Meeting. He stated for the Town  
Council Finance Committee and members of the Public who were participating via  
video conference that the remote meeting information was available on the Agenda  
that was posted on the Town’s Website - Granicus-Legistar Meeting Portal.  
II.  
ROLL CALL  
Tony Saccone  
Jessica Buhle  
Tim Ryan  
Present:  
Also present were the following:  
S. Naomi Rodriguez Town Council Chairman  
Carmen Garcia-IrizarryTown Councilor  
Fred Allyn, IIMI ayor  
Matthew Bonin Finance Director  
Jason HartlingSchool Superintendent  
Jim MannDirector of Emergency Management  
Earl (Ty) Lamb Chairman Historic District Commission  
Roxanne Maher Administrative Assistant  
III.  
RESIDENTS & PROPERTY OWNERS COMMENTS  
Mr. Earl (Ty) Lamb, 95 Lambtown Road, Ledyard, Historic District Commission  
Chairman, addressed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding that was  
allocated to the Historic District Commission to facilitate improvements at their  
historic properties. He reported that the projects that were underway at the Up-Down  
Sawmill and Nathan Lester House were expected to be completed this year. He went  
on to note that the Commission had discussed some potential projects and planned to  
appeal to the Town Council in the event that additional ARPA funding was available.  
However, he stated at their July 15, 2024 meeting at which their Liaison, Councilor  
Ryan was present, that the Commission decided to take them off the table. He stated  
any projects that might still be on the table were being handled by the Town  
Council/Mayor.  
IV.  
PRESENTATIONS / INFORMATIONAL ITEMS  
MOTION to transfer additional revenues received for Fiscal Year 2023/2024 as follows:  
·
Agri-Science (ASTE) $39,502 to Account #22570101 (BOE ASTE CNR) to be used in  
accordance with Agri-Science Plan.  
·
Federal Impact Aid $304,635 to Account #22570101 (BOE CNR Reserve Fund) to be  
used for the following in accordance with the Board of Education’s Fiscal Year 2024/2025  
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP):  
ü $210,000 Ledyard High School Existing Elevator Replacement  
ü $40,000 Ledyard High School Tennis Court Resurfacing  
ü $50,000 Juliet W. Long School Playground.  
Councilor Buhle read a letter from School Superintendent Jason Hartling dated July 15,  
2024 in which he requested additional revenue received for Fiscal Year 2023/2024 be  
transferred as follows:  
· Agri-Science (ASTE) $39,502 transfer to Account #22570101 (BOE ASTE  
CNR)  
· Impact Aide $$304,635 transfer to Account #22570101 (BOE CNR Reserve  
Fund).  
Mayor Allyn, III, explained that historically some of the education revenues have  
tracked grossly under the amount that was budgeted. He noted as an example over the  
last five years that the Agri-Science Tuition has come in about $500,000 under the  
amount that was budgeted. He stated when the education actual revenues come in under  
the amount budgeted that the General Government had to close the gap between the  
amount that was budgeted and the actual amount that was received. He stated when this  
occurred that it impacted the town’s ability to borrow (bond) money for large projects  
such as the School Projects, because the town’s Undesignated Fund Balance was  
decreasing instead of increasing.  
Mayor Allyn went on to explain that the “Fund Balance Reserve Policy” that was  
adopted on May 23, 2018 called for an Undesignated Fund Balance Reserve to be at  
least 7% of the Town’s Operating Expenses with a goal to reach 10%; and that the Bond  
Agencies were now looking for that amount to be15%. Therefore, he stated when the  
additional revenues were received that they need to work to balance out the years when  
revenues received came in under the amount budgeted.  
Councilor Buhle stated during the Annual Budget Preparation Process the Board of  
Education provided a spending plan that the Town Council and the taxpayers agreed too;  
noting the many Board of Education Capital Projects that were not funded. Therefore,  
she stated that she had concerns about giving the Board of Education an additional  
$344,137 without a Plan on how the funds would be used. She stated that these  
additional revenues should remain in the General Fund to replenish the Undesignated  
Fund Balance Reserve, which has been used to support the Board of Education when  
they had revenue shortfalls.  
Councilor Ryan stated the Board of Education should cover all of their expenses,  
whether there was an underage or overage, however, he stated it does not end up  
working that way. He stated that the School Superintendents’ request needed more  
discussion before the Finance Committee could act on it.  
Councilor Saccone stated because Mr. Hartling’s letter was only received yesterday, that  
it was only included on tonight’s agenda for informational purposes, noting that the  
Finance Committee would not be taking action on the request this evening.  
CONTINUE  
RESULT:  
V.  
APPROVAL OF MINUTES  
MOTION to approve the Finance Committee Minutes of June 5, 2024  
Moved by Councilor Buhle, seconded by Councilor Ryan  
VOTE:  
3 - 0 Approved and so declared  
APPROVED AND SO DECLARED  
RESULT:  
Finance Director’s Report  
Finance Director Matthew Bonin reported on the following: (1) Annual Audit Fiscal  
Year 2023/2024 - Mr. Bonin stated Auditors CliftonLarsonAllen were at Town Hall last  
week to conduct some preliminary audit work; and (2) August, 2024 Bond Issuance -  
Mr. Bonin explained the Temporary Financing (BAN) Bond Anticipation Notes for the  
School(s) Consolidation/Improvement Project(s) (Middle School & Gallup Hill School)  
was scheduled to come due in August, 2024. Therefore, he stated the town would pay off  
the BANS and borrow funding to pay for the Various School Projects $8,550,000 which  
included the replacement of roofs at the Board of Education Central Office, Gales Ferry  
School and Juliet W. Long School; installation of solar equipment at the Gales Ferry  
School and Juliet W. Long School; upgrades to the Building Management System at the  
Gales Ferry School and Juliet W. Long School, and electrical and Heating and  
Ventilation (HVAC) upgrades at the Juliet W. Long School.  
CONTINUE  
Financial Reports  
Finance Director Matthew Bonin stated the following Financial Reports were attached to  
RESULT:  
the Agenda on the meeting portal:  
·
Revenue Year-to Date Report- June 30, 2024  
Mr. Bonin noted that 99% of all Revenues received for June 30, 2024 have been  
reported.  
·
Expenditure Year-to Date Report- June 30, 2024  
Mr. Bonin explained that the Expenditure Report was preliminary because invoices for  
purchases/services through June 30, 2024 were continuing to come in. Therefore, he  
stated that he would be providing additional June 30, 2024 Expenditure Reports as  
invoices were paid and the numbers were updated.  
Councilor Saccone questioned the last day that Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Invoices could be  
submitted for payment. Mr. Bonin stated that the town tries to get all of the Invoices paid  
by mid-August; however, he stated if an invoice for June services was not received until  
September that it would need to be recorded in the June 30, 2024 Expenditures.  
CONTINUE  
RESULT:  
VII. NEW BUSINESS  
MOTION to grant a Bid Waiver to Oak Hill Controls from Bethlehem, PA, a sole source  
1.  
provider, in the amount of $29,535 to rebuild the Rotary Drum Thickener Panel (RDT) at the  
Highland Wastewater Treatment Facility.  
In addition, transfer and appropriate ARPA funding in the amount of $29,535 for said  
purpose. Source of ARPA funding transfer to be determined.  
Moved by Councilor Saccone, seconded by Councilor Buhle  
Discussion: Councilor Saccone stated in talking with Wastewater Supervisor Steve  
Banks he explained that the current RDT Panel was obsolete, and that parts were no  
longer available for repairs. He stated that the failure of the RDT Panel would result  
in a significant increase in the cost for the removal of solids and wastewater at the  
Highlands Wastewater Treatment Facility noting that $25,000 has been annually  
budgeted to dispose the solid waste.  
Councilor Saccone noted the photographs of the Rotary Drum Thickener Panel  
(RDT) and were attached to the Agenda on the meeting portal. He explained that this  
machine separated the wastewater from the solid waste. He stated should this  
machine break down, the cost to get rid of the wastewater and solid waste would  
increase ten-fold.  
Councilor Saccone went on to explain that touch screen that operated the Rotary Drum  
Thickener Panel (RDT) was also outdated and that parts were no longer available to  
repair the panel screen should it breakdown. He stated because Oak Hill Controls was  
the sole Integrator/SCADA Specialist that a Bid Waiver has been requested to rebuild  
the Rotary Drum Thickener Panel (RDT) at the Highland Wastewater Treatment  
Facility. He stated the Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) has requested  
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding be allocated for this project.  
Mayor Allyn, III, stated the Finance Committee would discuss the status of the  
current ARPA Projects later this evening. However, he noted there was about  
$120,000 of ARPA Funding that could be redirected to be used toward other projects  
such as rebuilding the Rotary Drum Thickener Panel (RDT) at the Highland  
Wastewater Treatment Facility.  
Mayor Allyn noted the following as potential funding under-runs that could be used  
toward other initiatives:  
ü Youth Mental Health Counseling Services $190,000 - Mayor Allyn stated that  
based on the historical usage to pay for the Clinician there may be as much of  
$100,000 that would not be expended from the original $190,000 allocation for  
the Mental Health Counseling Services.  
ü Electric Vehicle Charging Stations $20,000 - Mayor Allyn stated the town was  
not able to get private property owners in Gales Ferry to commit to hosting  
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. He stated that the hope was that some Electric  
Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations would happen organically. He also noted that  
because many of the incentives to install Electric Vehicle Charging Stations were  
no longer available that Eversource has decided not to invest in Electric Vehicle  
Charging Stations in Connecticut, because they did not like the State’s position  
on energy.  
Councilor Ryan asked Mayor Allyn whether the $120,000 ($100,000 Mental Health  
Counseling; and $20,000 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations) that he believed would  
be available to be redirected toward other projects was in addition to what would be  
remaining from the Ledyard Center Sewer Line Extension Project. Mayor Allyn  
responded to Councilor Ryan stated that was correct. He explained they were  
actively working on Phase II (Ledyard Center); and Phase III (High School to  
Pennywise Lane) of the Sewer Line Project. He stated that Public Works  
Director/Town Engineer Steve Masalin expected to receive a tighter number on the  
Design and Engineering Costs from Weston & Sampson Engineers; and that they  
may have a solution for Phase II (Ledyard Center).  
Mayor Allyn continued by addressing the Rotary Drum Thickener Panel (RDT) at the  
Highland Wastewater Treatment Facility, noting that although it was still working  
and doing the job it was about 25 - 30 years old; and as Councilor Saccone  
mentioned parts were no longer available for repairs. Therefore, he stated that the  
long term plan would be to overhaul the Highland Wastewater Treatment Facility  
which would be costly. He stated Stonington was spending about $90 million to  
overhaul their wastewater treatment facility and that Norwich was spending about  
$50 million. He stated that he appreciated what Wastewater Supervisor Steve Banks  
and his Team have been able to do at the Highland Wastewater Treatment Facility to  
keep it operating.  
Chairman Rodriguez questioned what Mayor Allyn thought the cost would be to  
overhaul the Highland Wastewater Treatment Facility. Mayor Allyn stated that he  
would ask Wastewater Supervisor Steve Banks what the cost would be if they had to  
do a major upgrade.  
VOTE: 3 - 0 Approved and so declared  
Finance Director Matthew Bonin questioned which ARPA Project the Finance  
Committee wanted to take the $29,535 from to rebuild the Rotary Drum Thickener  
Panel (RDT) at the Highland Wastewater Treatment Facility. The Finance Committee  
agreed that they could decide where the funding would come from when they  
discussed Old Business Item #1 regarding the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)  
Projects later this evening.  
RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL  
Tony Saccone  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
Jessica Buhle  
SECONDER:  
3
Saccone, Buhle and Ryan  
AYE:  
MOTION to grant a Bid Waiver MSS Electronics, Inc, White Plains, New York in the  
amount of $22,710 to upgrade electronic lock system at the Emergency Services Building on  
Fairway Drive to be paid from Account # 21020501-57300 (Ledyard Fire Company - New  
Equipment).  
2.  
Moved by Councilor Buhle, seconded by Councilor Ryan  
Discussion: Director of Emergency Management/Fire Marshal Jim Mann provided some  
background noting that the locking system at the Emergency Services Building was  
original to when the $3,250,000 facility was constructed in 2003. He stated last  
November, 2023 the locking system crashed; however, he stated although MIS Director  
Justin Dube was able to help get the system working, he suggested that because the  
software was outdated that it needed to be upgraded.  
Mr. Mann went on to explain during the Fiscal Year 2024/2025 budget preparation  
process that he solicited pricing information from multiple lock/key vendors to  
upgrade the current Keri Lock System at the Emergency Services Building on  
Fairway Drive. He stated the current vendor, Keri Systems, was now only installing  
cloud based systems and therefore, they did not respond when he asked about a  
system that was not cloud based, noting that he was looking to avoid a cloud-based  
system due to the reoccurring monthly cost. He stated the only vendor that responded,  
who was willing to install a non-cloud-based system, was MSS Electronics, Inc.,  
from White Plains, New York, noting that they provided a quote in the amount of  
$22,710.  
The MSS Electronics, Inc., S2 Card System would include the following:  
· S2 Netbox Controller with 16 reader capacity software and two reader capacity  
§ built in  
· 4-S2 Car Access Reader Board with 2 reader capacity  
· 2-Altronix Access Control Power Supply  
· 1 Misc Connectors  
· MSS on Site System Labor for mounting all equipment and reassignment of  
readers, etc., and the mounting of the new Power Supply, System Testing,  
Programming and Training.  
Mr. Mann continued to explain that MSS Electronics has installed the locks at the  
schools in town noting that the system was good for five years and that after that they  
would have to update the software when needed.  
Councilor Saccone questioned whether they would need to get new key fabs of if they  
could still use their current key fabs. Mr. Mann stated they would be able to use their  
current key fabs and readers. He stated this was the best deal he believed they could  
get.  
Councilor Buhle addressed the process, noting that Mr. Mann talked with three  
vendors therefore, he questioned the reason for the Bid Waiver.  
Background:  
In accordance with Ordinance $200-001 “An Ordinance for Purchasing for the Town  
of Ledyard” the purchasing thresholds were as follows:  
·
·
Less than $4,999 -No bids required; no quotes required; assumes buyers will seek lowest  
available cost.  
$5,000 - $14,999 -Three (3) quotes required or a bid waiver from Town Council.  
Written record of quotes or Town Council bid waiver action to be attached to electronic  
purchase order.  
·
$15,000 +- At least three (3) proposals required through an open and advertised  
competitive bid process for construction projects, equipment, supplies, and professional  
services other than legal services.  
Because the cost to upgrade electronic lock system was over $15,000 that three  
proposals were required. Therefore, a bid waiver was in order.  
Councilor Ryan stated based on the information Mr. Mann provided that MSS  
Electronics, Inc., was the only vendor that could meet the specifications requested for the  
system in a timely manner. Mr. Mann stated that Councilor Ryan’s understanding was  
correct, and he noted that he spoke to the company yesterday; and although the bid price was  
only good for 30-days that they understood there was an approval process required; and  
therefore, their price would remain as proposed.  
VOTE:  
3 - 0 Approved and so declared  
RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL  
Jessica Buhle  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
3
Saccone, Buhle and Ryan  
AYE:  
MOTION to adopt a proposed "An Ordinance Providing Tax Relief For Gold Star Families  
in the Town of Ledyard" as presented in the draft dated May 14, 2024.  
3.  
DRAFT: 5/14/2024  
Ordinance #200-XXX  
AN ORDINANCE  
PROVIDING TAX RELIEF FOR GOLD STAR FAMILIES  
IN THE TOWN OF LEDYARD  
Be it ordained by the Town Council of the Town of Ledyard  
Section 1: Authority  
Pursuant to the authority of P.A. 17-65 enacted on October 1, 2017 “An Act  
Concerning Municipal Option Property Tax Exemption for Gold Star Parents and  
Spouses” there is hereby established “An Ordinance Providing Tax Relief for Gold  
Star Families In the Town of Ledyard”.  
Section 2: Purpose  
To provide an exemption from property tax for property that is owned by a  
parent whose child was killed in action, or by the surviving spouse of a person who  
was killed in action, while performing active military duty with the Armed Forces, as  
such term is defined in Subsection (a) of Section 27-103 of the Connecticut General  
Statutes, as amended.  
Section 3: Eligibility for Exemption  
To be eligible any parent or surviving spouse of a service member killed in action  
while performing active military duty the following conditions must be met:  
(a) Application: Completed application shall be filed with the office of the Tax  
Assessor.  
(b) Residency: Persons qualified for a benefit under this Ordinance is a parent or  
surviving spouse who own real property located in the Town of Ledyard, or who are  
liable for the payment of taxes thereon under Section 12-48 of the General Statutes,  
and occupy the property as his or her principal residence at least 183 days of each  
year; and the time the application is made, and at all times during which the parent or  
surviving spouse is receiving an exemption pursuant to this Ordinance, the parent or  
surviving spouse shall be living in the Town of Ledyard.  
(c) Qualifying Income: The parent's or surviving spouse's total adjusted gross income, as  
determined for purposes of the federal income tax, plus any other income not  
included in such adjusted gross income, shall not exceed the sum of the maximum  
qualifying income for individuals if unmarried, or jointly with spouse if married, as  
set forth in Section 12-81l of the Connecticut General Statutes.  
(d) Surviving Spouses: The surviving spouse must have been legally married to the  
person who was killed in action at the time of such person's death, in accordance  
with Title 46b; Chapter 815E, of the Connecticut General Statutes, as amended.  
(e) Parents: If both parents of any such child killed in action while performing active  
military duty with the Armed Forces are domiciled together, only one such parent  
shall be entitled to the exemption from property tax provided for under this section.  
If both parents of any such child killed in action while performing active military  
service with the Armed Forces are not domiciled together, both parents shall be  
eligible to receive the exemption provided for under this section.  
Section 4: Amount of Exemption; Certified List  
(1) The exemption of property shall be in an amount of up-to $20,000, or 10% of the  
assessed value of the property owned by the surviving spouse or the parent(s) of a  
child who was killed in action.  
(2) The exemption provided under this Ordinance shall be in addition to any exemption  
to which an eligible parent or surviving spouse may be entitled under Section 12-81  
of the Connecticut General Statutes, as amended.  
No such eligible parent(s) or surviving spouse entitled to exemption under Section  
12-81 or 12-8 lg of the Connecticut General Statutes and this section shall receive  
more than one such exemption.  
(3) The Assessor shall annually make a certified list of all such parents or surviving  
spouses who are found to be entitled to an exemption, which list shall be filed in the  
office of the Town Clerk in the Town of Ledyard.  
Section 5: Application Procedure and Requirements.  
(l) Any parent whose child was killed in action or the surviving spouse of a person who was  
killed in action (the "applicant") submitting a claim for an exemption of property tax  
under this Ordinance shall submit an application, on a form prepared by the Tax  
Assessor, to the Tax Assessor's Office not later than October 1st (the "application").  
The application shall include a copy of the two recorded affidavits described in  
Subsection 2(a)(b) of this Section, and the applicant's federal income tax return, or in  
the event such a return is not filed, such evidence related to income, as may be  
required by the Tax Assessor, for the entire calendar year ending immediately prior  
to the October 1st in which the application for exemption is made.  
(2) The applicant shall also file with the office of the Town Clerk at least two affidavits, in  
such form as approved by the Tax Assessor, of two (2) different disinterested persons  
stating the following:  
(a) The deceased child or spouse was killed in action while performing active duty  
with the Armed Forces, as defined in Section 27-103(a) of the Connecticut  
General Statutes; and  
(b) That the applicant is the parent or surviving spouse of the person who was killed  
in action.  
(3) The affidavits shall be recorded in full in the office of the Town Clerk, free of charge,  
and such recording shall list the name of such parent or surviving spouse claiming  
the exemption.  
No exemption shall be granted unless the affidavits have been recorded in the office  
of the Town Clerk; and until the application has been deemed complete by the  
Assessor's Office.  
Section 6: Renewal and Termination of Exemption, Penalties.  
(1) The applicant shall be required to reapply for this exemption on a biennial basis. The  
failure of the applicant to reapply for this exemption on a biennial basis shall result  
in the termination of the applicant's exemption.  
(2) When an exemption has been granted, the applicant shall, in the assessment year  
immediately following the date of approval, be presumed qualified for such  
exemption.  
(3) On a biennial basis, during the year immediately following the approval of an applicant's  
exemption, the Tax Assessor may, by August 1st, notify each parent or surviving  
spouse presumed to be qualified for such exemption in writing, and if any applicant  
has income in excess of the maximum allowed under Section 3(b) this Ordinance,  
such applicant shall notify the Assessor on or before the next October 1st and shall  
be denied the exemption for the assessment year immediately following and for any  
subsequent year until such applicant has reapplied and again qualified for such  
exemption.  
The failure of the Assessor's Office to send such notice by August 1st shall waive the  
requirements of this Section for that assessment year, and the applicants presumed to  
be qualified for the exemption shall continue to receive an exemption for such  
assessment year.  
(4) Any notice under this section shall be deemed effective if it was mailed by regular mail  
to the applicant's last known address on file in the office of the Tax Collector.  
(5) If at any time it is determined that the applicant has obtained the exemption set forth in  
this Ordinance improperly, or was based on any misrepresentation or fraud, then  
upon discovery of such fact by the office of the Tax Assessor, the exemption shall be  
terminated immediately and the applicant shall make payment to the Town of  
Ledyard in the full amount of the property tax loss related to such exemption  
improperly taken within 30- days of such written demand from the Town of Ledyard.  
Section 7.  
Severability  
If any section, or part of a section, of this Ordinance shall be held by a court of  
competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such holding shall not be deemed to invalidate  
the remaining provisions hereof.  
Section 8.  
Effective Date  
In accordance with the Town Charter this ordinance shall become effective on  
the twenty-first (21st) day after such publication following its final passage.  
Adopted by the Town Council on: _______________  
_______________________________  
S. Naomi Rodriguez, Chairman  
Approved / Disapproved on: _________  
_________________________  
Fred B. Allyn, III., Mayor  
Published on:  
Effective Date:  
_________________________  
Patricia A. Riley, Town Clerk  
*****************************************************************  
**  
History: The State of Connecticut adopted Public Act #17-65 “An Act Concerning a  
Municipal Option Property Tax Exemption for Gold Star Parents and Spouses” in  
2017. To provide families who lost a child or spouse in the line of duty with some tax  
relief the Town Council adopted the “An Ordinance Providing Tax Relief for Gold  
Star Families In the Town of Ledyard” on: ___________  
Moved by Councilor Buhle, seconded by Councilor Saccone  
Discussion: Councilor Saccone stated the proposed “An Ordinance Providing Tax  
Relief For Gold Star Families in the Town of Ledyard” was an appropriate way to  
recognize the unfortunate loss of a family member in the military. He stated the tax  
relief amounts were based on legislation.  
Chairman Rodriguez stated the eligibility requirements were enacted on October 1,  
2017 with the adoption of P.A. 17-65 “An Act Concerning Municipal Option  
Property Tax Exemption for Gold Star Parents and Spouses”: She explained families  
who have lost a service member that was killed in action, while performing active  
military duty, would be eligible to apply for the tax relief program. She also noted  
that there was a Application that the surviving spouse or parent would need to  
complete.  
VOTE:  
3 - 0 Approved and so declared  
RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL  
Jessica Buhle  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
Tony Saccone  
SECONDER:  
3
Saccone, Buhle and Ryan  
AYE:  
MOTION to adopt a proposed “Municipal Certification of Resolution Authorizing the Town  
of Ledyard To Opt-In to the Small Town Economic Assistance Program” as presented in the  
draft dated July 9, 2024.  
4.  
Res: 003-2024/Jul 24  
DRAFT: 7/9/2024  
MUNICIPAL CERTIFICATION OF RESOLUTION  
AUTHORIZING THE TOWN OF LEDYARD TO OPT-IN  
SMALL TOWN ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAM  
I, Patricia A. Riley, Town Clerk of the Town of Ledyard, a municipality organized  
and existing under the laws of the State of Connecticut, hereby certify that the  
following is a true copy of the resolution adopted at the Ledyard Town Council of  
said municipality at their Meeting held on July 24, 2024.  
********************************************************************  
***  
RESOLVED, that Mayor Frederic B. Allyn, III, is hereby authorized to submit this  
Resolution as a written notice to Office of Policy and Management (OPM) to express  
the Town of Ledyard’s interest to exercise its Opt-In provision to be eligible to  
submit grant requests under the Small Town Economic Assistance Program  
(STEAP).  
BE IT FURTNER RESOLVED, that the Opt-In Provision under the Small Town  
Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) shall be for the four-year period following  
the submission of such notice to the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) and  
may be extended for an additional four-year period in accordance with the same  
procedure.  
Adopted by the Town Council on: _____________  
______________________________  
S. Naomi Rodriguez, Chairman  
********************************************************************  
***  
I DO FURTHER CERTIFY that the above resolution has in no way been altered,  
amended or revoked, and is in full force and effect.  
AND I Do FURTHER CERTIFY that Mayor Frederic B. Allyn, III is the Mayor of  
the Town of Ledyard, and has been since May 7, 2017.  
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the  
Town of Ledyard this ______ day of ____________________, 2024.  
(seal)  
___________________________  
Patricia A. Riley, Town Clerk  
Town of Ledyard  
Moved by Councilor Buhle, seconded by Councilor Ryan  
Discussion: Mayor Allyn, III, explained to be eligible to apply for Small Town  
Economic Assistance Grants (STEAP) that every four years the town had to adopt a  
Resolution to “Opt-In”. He stated currently there was no STEAP Grant Funding  
available, explaining that Governor Lamont has not yet chosen to offer STEAP Grants  
this year. He stated by adopting the proposed Resolution to Opt-In that Ledyard  
would be readily able to apply for STEAP Grants should they become available  
during the next four years.  
VOTE:  
3 - 0 Approved and so declared  
RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL  
Jessica Buhle  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
Tim Ryan  
SECONDER:  
Any other New Business proper to come before the Committee.  
5.  
·
Grant Applications:  
Councilor Buhle stated that it would be helpful to make a list of available Grant  
Programs so that the town would be prepared to submit projects, when grant  
opportunities become available. She noted as an example the COPS Law Enforcement  
Technology and Equipment Grant that the town applied for earlier this year through the  
Congressionally Directed Spending initiative, to replace the $240,000 Ledyard Dispatch  
Emergency Communications CAD/RMS System. She stated although Ledyard has not  
been award the grant yet, their Application has been selected and was moving through  
the process.  
Councilor Buhle suggested the Finance Committee discuss available grants and projects  
at every meeting for the following purposes: (1) To be aware of the types of grants that  
were available; (2) To know when each of the grant applications were open during the  
year; and (3) To be prepared and have projects ready that would qualify for each  
particular grant program. She noted as an example that the Congressionally Spending  
Grant Application was due in April each year.  
Mayor Allyn, III, stated that Ledyard has worked to have projects ready for when Grant  
opportunities became available, noting that the Town received a total of $8-9 million in  
grant funding for a number of projects that included STEAP Funding, LoTCIP Funding,  
CDBG Funding. He stated these grant programs provided for projects that ranged from  
the improvements at the Kings Corner Manor, Senior Housing Facility, to the  
replacement of the Lantern Hill Road Bridge and Culverts, to the Multi-Use Pathway,  
etc. He stated that some projects have been completed and that others were currently  
underway. He stated that the town has not shied away from seeking grants and that they  
needed to continue to do that.  
DISCUSSED  
RESULT:  
VI.  
OLD BUSINESS  
Continued discussion regarding the status and possible changes to Capital Improvement Plan  
(CIP) and Capital Non-Recurring (CNR) Fund based on the American Rescue Act Funding  
(ARPA) and the process to approve ARPA Projects and expend ARPA Funding.  
1.  
Finance Director Matthew Bonin noted that he provided an updated ARPA Spreadsheet  
regarding the completed projects, projects in progress, and projects not started.  
The Finance Committee, Mayor Allyn, III, reviewed and discussed the following  
Projects:  
· MOTION to add Rebuilding the Rotary Drum Thickener Panel (RDT) at the  
Highland Wastewater Treatment Facility at a cost of $29,535 to the American  
Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Projects List.  
Moved by Councilor Ryan, seconded by Councilor Buhle  
Discussion: Councilor Buhle noted that the Finance Committee discussed the need to  
rebuild the Rotary Drum Thickener Panel (RDT) at the Highland Wastewater  
Treatment Facility earlier this evening (VIII. New Business Item #1- see above).  
VOTE:  
3 - 0 Approved and so declared  
The finance Committee and Mayor Allyn, III, discussed the status of the following  
ARPA Projects as potential funding sources to facilitate the $29,535 Rotary Drum  
Thickener Panel (RDT) at the Highland Wastewater Treatment Facility.  
·
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations - Balance: $20,000.  
Mayor Allyn, III, explained that the town has not been able to find a willing host to  
locate the Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations in Ledyard. Therefore, he  
stated they could release the $20,000 that was allocated for the Electric Charging  
Stations to be used toward other initiatives.  
Mayor Allyn went on to explain the town found that it was going to be challenging  
to place the town’s Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station equipment on someone  
else’s property through a lease type of arrangement.  
Chairman Rodriguez questioned whether they could use town property for the  
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations, such as the Gales Ferry Library, or the Town  
Hall. Mayor Allyn responded noting that the location of the Gales Ferry Library,  
and Senior Citizens were not in a highly visible, traveled area. He stated Town  
Hall was a possibility, noting that he had considered installing an EV Charging  
Station in-front of Town Hall in the parallel parking areas on Route 117. However,  
he stated because it would be in the Department of Transportation (DOT)  
right-of-way that the Town would need to obtain an Encroachment Permit and a  
Lease with the State. He also explained that Eversource recently pulled back the  
incentives to install the EV Charging Stations in the State of Connecticut.  
However, he stated EV Charging Stations were starting to happen organically on  
private property without government intervention, noting that they were being  
installed by private investors, in areas such as Olde Mystic Village, at Starbucks,  
and Johnny’s Peking Tokyo, etc.  
· Youth Mental Health Clinicians Balance: $175,000 ($148,502 + $26,500  
(Encumbered))  
Mayor Allyn stated that initially $190,000 was allocated from the ARPA Funding  
to support Youth Mental Health Clinicians. However, he stated because only  
about $14,090 has been spent to provide services to-date; and based on the current  
caseload that they were projecting to have approximately $100,000 left at the end  
of 2026. Therefore, he suggested that they could consider leaving $75,000  
earmarked for Mental Health Services, which at the current usage rate would  
provide for two years of services.  
Chairman Rodriguez stated with the addition of the $335,857 Sandy Hollow  
Guiderail Project (replaced 1.5 miles of Guiderail) to the ARPA Projects List that  
it was her understanding the ARPA Funding for was over expended.  
Mayor Allyn stated that the ARPA Spreadsheet was showing a negative balance of  
$54,312. He stated with adding back $20,000 from the Electric Vehicle Charing  
Stations; and $100,000 from the Youth Mental Health Clinicians, and with using  
$29,535 for the Rotary Drum Thickener Panel (RDT) at the Highland Wastewater  
Treatment Facility, that the ARPA Funding would no longer have a deficit.  
Chairman Rodriguez stated during a Youth & Social Services Board meeting  
Police Officer Dan Grimm stated that he would like to see the town provide  
Mental Health Services for Adults. Chairman Rodirguez stated that she thought  
Officer Grim had a good idea, and that it would have been a nice use of these  
ARPA Funds. Mayor Allyn stated the Mental Health Services Program never  
really go going, and he explained when Clinician Pat Frost took over from Kate  
Sikorski-Maynard, that she diligently worked with the thirteen students. He stated  
most of the cases focused on helping the kids to get back on their feet both  
academically and mentally in the aftermath of the COVID-19 Pandemic. He stated  
Ms. Frost worked with all the students, explaining that after several sessions with  
each student that Ms. Frost benchmarked them and determined that many of the  
kids were no longer in need of services at that time; and the students agreed. He  
stated currently Ms. Frost had one case in the Ledyard Public Schools. He stated in  
advance of the Summer Vacation, that Ms. Frost reached out to all of the schools  
to let them know that she was available to provide services; and to inquire about  
the need for services for incoming students. However, he stated that only one  
student accepted the Clinical Services over the summer months; and that the  
schools did not indicate that they had any students coming in for next school year  
that was in need of Mental Health Services.  
Councilor Buhle addressed the need for Mental Health Clinicians at their  
elementary schools. She stated that currently the Clinician at the Gales Ferry  
School had a full workload (9 cases); and there was a waiting list for children that  
needed services. Therefore, she questioned whether Clinician Pat Frost was in the  
right school. Mayor Allyn stated although Ms. Frost was working out of the  
Middle School; that she was not limited to the Middle School. Councilor Buhle  
questioned whether they could use these ARPA Funds to put Mental Health  
Clinicians at the elementary schools in town. Mayor Allyn stated the town has  
given the Board of Education a pot of ARPA money and a Mental Health  
Clinician, noting that it was incumbent on the Board of Education to utilize the  
assets they have been provided. He suggested this message be delivered to the  
Board of Education that they have a Mental Health Clinician that has been  
assigned to the School District; and that ARPA Funding was available for students  
who need these services. He stated that it was up to the School Principals and  
Staff to see that the Mental Health Services and Funding was being utilized at the  
schools where the services were needed.  
· MOTION to approve the following adjustment to American Rescue Plan Act  
(ARPA) Projects List:  
ü Remove - Electric Vehicle Charging Stations $20,000; and restore the $20,000 to  
the overall ARPA Project Budget.  
Moved by Councilor Ryan, seconded by Councilor Buhle  
Discussion: See above.  
VOTE:  
3 - 0 Approved and so declared  
Moved by Councilor Ryan, seconded by Councilor Buhle  
Discussion: Councilor Buhle stated based on concerns that she has been hearing from  
parents of elementary school kids that the Mental Health Clinicians had a full  
workload (9 cases); and because there was a waiting list for children that needed  
services, that it led her question whether the ARPA Funding for Youth Mental Health  
Clinician Services was being used where services were needed. Therefore, she  
suggested that they have more Clinicians at the other schools in town as well. She  
noted the services that were provided during the school day by the Child & Family  
Agency, stating that it was a great program. She stated that elementary school kids do  
not want to get out of school and then have to go to a Therapist Office. She stated if  
these kids were going to go to therapy that they want it to be part of their school day,  
explaining that they feel included, and they do not miss a lot of school. Therefore, she  
stated the ARPA Funding would provide an opportunity to expand services for their  
students, that would be in addition to the programs provided by the Child & Family  
Agency. She stated if they were currently budgeting for 50 hours per month that  
would provide 12-hours per week, which would help with the number of elementary  
students on the wait list.  
Board of Education Member Earl (Ty) Lamb stated that he was taking notes  
regarding the ARPA Funding and Mental Health Services available for students  
in-need of services. He asked whether the Finance Committee could table tonight’s  
discussion to provide time for him to bring this information to the Board of  
Education and for the Board of Education to provide a recommendation, if they have  
not been using the funding, as has been suggested.  
Mayor Allyn stated that he has had multiple conversations with Superintendent  
Hartling regarding the ARPA Funding and the availability of Clinician Pat Frost. He  
noted that Mr. Hartling stated that they would put Ms. Frost to use; or the town could  
send the ARPA money over to the Board of Education. Mayor Allyn stated because  
the Town and the Board of Education each received APRA Funding that he was not  
comfortable with just sending the ARPA Funding to the Board of Education. He  
stated the General Government had a good method in how they used their ARPA  
Funding and that he wanted to continue that process.  
Mayor Allyn went on to state at this time his concern was that they have an active  
need at the Wastewater Treatment Facility, that they do not have the ability to fund.  
Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated last Fiscal Year 2023/2024 the Board of Education  
budgeted for seven Social Workers. However, she stated in Fiscal Year 2024/2025  
the Board of Education did not budget for any Social Workers.  
Councilor Buhle stated they need to explore expanding the Mental Health Services  
Program to include adults in their community. She stated Mental Health was such as  
great initiative and important issue; and that she would not like to see the town chop  
away at these services. She stated with a $4 million Annual Budget that the town  
could find away to prioritize these needs. She stated if the students do not want to  
utilize the Mental Health Services, that they could find people in their community  
who need the help and support.  
Councilor Saccone stated the Mayor has done his due diligence in reaching out to the  
School District, noting that he was ready to vote on this item.  
Finance Director Matthew Bonin noted per New Business Item #1 the authorization  
to transfer and appropriate the $29,535 needed to rebuild the Rotary Drum Thickener  
Panel (RDT) at the Highland Wastewater Treatment Facility was addressed,  
explaining that a separate motion was not required.  
VOTE:  
3 - 0 Approved and so declared  
CONTINUE  
RESULT:  
Discussion regarding potential uses for the funding received from the National Opioid  
2.  
Settlement Payments.  
Mayor Allyn, III, stated SERAC was a Regional Resource that provided a number of  
services, including counseling services. He stated that he would invite SERAC to give a  
Presentation to the Town Council. He went on to note at their September 27, 2023  
meeting the Town Council allocated $36,100 from the National Opioid Settlement Funds to  
Ledge Light Health District/Ledyard Prevention Coalition to implement programs to address  
opioid use disorder and prevention, and to expand access to intervention, treatment, and  
recovery options.  
Mayor Allyn went on to note that the Opioid Settlement money would continue to be  
received until 2037; and that they need to continue to allocate funding to partner with  
Regional Agencies to get the money out into the community to start helping people.  
Councilor Buhle noted at the Finance Committee’s June 6, 2024 meeting she suggested  
using some of the Opioid Funding to purchase Narcan to distribute to people at the  
Farmers Market.  
Chairman Rodriguez stated the Brian Dagle Healing Hearts Foundation, from Niantic,  
would be attending the August 21, 2024 Farmers Market, and she noted that she would  
ask Ledge Light Health District/Ledyard Prevention Coalition if they could bring Narcan  
to hand out that evening as well. Mayor Allyn explained that the Town could provide the  
funding to Ledge Light Health District to purchase the Narcan to hand out at the Ledyard  
Farmers Market.  
Councilor Saccone questioned whether the Emergency Narcan Kits that Ledge Light  
Health District/Ledyard Prevention Coalition installed at the Gales Ferry Community  
Center and the Town Green in Ledyard Center have been used. Mayor Allyn stated that  
the Ledyard Prevention Coalition Kerenza Mansfield has been routinely having the  
Emergency Narcan Kits checked to restock the boxes; however, he stated to-date the  
supplies have not been used.  
School Superintendent Jason Hartling joined the meeting remotely at 6:08 p.m.  
CONTINUE  
RESULT:  
Continued discussion regarding potential uses of the revenue received from Public Act  
No.21-58 “An Act Concerning Solid Waste Management” in accordance with “Resolution  
Regarding Revenues Received from Beverage Container Surcharges” (Nip Bottle Revenue)  
adopted on June 8, 2022.  
3.  
Mayor Allyn, III, stated Public Works Director/Town Engineer Steve Masalin informed  
him that he would have an update regarding the purchase/lease of a Street Sweeper to  
present to the Finance Committee at their next meeting.  
Councilor Saccone noted that recently Groton talked about having people collect the nip  
bottles from the roadside, which they could turn in and be paid for the bottles from the  
Nip Surcharge Revenues. He stated he was not in-favor of kids collecting nip bottles  
from the roads. Mayor Allyn stated that the former Finance Committee discussed a  
similar proposal for non-profit organizations to collect the nip bottles in zip lock bags,  
and based on the bags that they would be paid from the Nip Bottle Surcharge Revenues.  
Councilor Buhle stated that the Finance Committee also previously discussed the Adopt  
a Road Program that Montville implemented to clean up the nip bottles from the roads.  
However, she stated that she was not in-favor of this type of program, because of  
liability concerns. She also noted that the roads that had the most nip bottles, were also  
the busiest roads.  
Councilor Garcia-Irizarry provided an update regarding the Blue Earth Compost PILOT  
Program Ledyard implemented on July 1, 2024. She stated the six-month PILOT  
Program would remove Food Waste from the household waste stream, which would  
help to reduce the town’s tonnage and reduce their tipping fees for the disposal of trash.  
Councilor Garcia-Irizarry went on to explain that the Blue Earth Compost Starter Kits  
were available and could be picked-up at the Transfer Station. She noted the Starter Kit  
included a 6-gallon compost pail and 25-compostable bags. She explained that residents  
would need to bring their Food Waste to the Transfer Station and dispose of it in the  
Collection Carts stating that Blue Earth Compost would then pick-up the Food Waste on  
weekly basis. She noted that the Starter Kits were being given for free to 100 residents  
on a first-come, first-serve basis; and that she would be at the Farmers Market on August  
21, 2024 to distribute the Compost Starter Kits.  
CONTINUE  
RESULT:  
Any other Old Business proper to come before the Committee  
4.  
School Superintendent Jason Hartling stated that he joined the meeting because he  
received a message that the Finance Committee had some questions this evening; and he  
that asked how he could help,  
Councilor Buhle stated during the Finance Committee’s discussion regarding VI. Old  
Business Item #1 “American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding” the Finance Committee  
was reviewing the General Government ARPA Allocations relative to the initiatives that  
were coming-in under the allocated amount in an effort to reappropriate those funds to  
other initiatives. She stated among the ARPA Allocations that $190,000 was earmarked  
for Youth Mental Health Counseling Services (see above).  
Councilor Buhle continued by noting that the General Government ARPA Mental Health  
Services Funding was providing for a Clinician at the Middle School. However, she  
questioned whether the Clinician could travel to the elementary schools, instead of the  
students having to travel to the Middle School for services.  
Superintendent Hartling explained that the Mental Health Clinician that was being paid  
with the General Government ARPA Funding was currently traveling between the High  
School and Middle School. He stated Clinician Pat Frost was not comfortable with  
administering services to younger age children. He stated that he has worked with Social  
Services/Administrator of Nursing Karen Goetchius along with the Middle School  
Principal Mr. Early and High School Principal Ms. Fagin to ask whether they had  
students in-need of services that they could refer to Clinician Ms. Frost. He noted that  
last year they had a number of students receiving services and that Clinician Ms. Frost  
worked through the caseload.  
Mr. Hartling stated if they could find other Clinicians that would like to work for the  
town that they could certainly use them, noting that there was a need for Mental Health  
Services at the Juliet W. Long School and Gales Ferry School. He stated the elementary  
schools did not receive the “Continuation Award” from the State of Connecticut, and  
they also lost the Child & Family Agency Community Health Center Clinician for that  
campus, noting that the other campuses did receive the Child & Family Agency Funding  
this year. He stated that he was working with State Senator Cathy Osten to try make sure  
funding would be appropriated to the Child & Family Agency. He stated it was his  
understanding that the Department of Public Health (DPH) received money to open new  
Community Health Clinics; but did not receive funding to keep the Clinics that they had  
recently opened funded. Therefore, he stated that Child & Family Agency sought other  
funding sources which provided funding for all of Ledyard’s other school campus,  
except for the Juliet W. Long School and Gales Ferry School. He stated that there was no  
explanation as to why the Department of Public Health (DPH) did not provide funding,  
noting that the Child & Family Agency was as puzzled as the Board of Education was.  
Board of Education Member Earl (Ty) Lamb stated earlier this evening (Informational  
Items - see above) the Finance Committee discussed School Superintendent Jason  
Hartling’s July 15, 2024 letter in which he requested additional revenue received for  
Fiscal Year 2023/2024 be transferred as follows:  
· Agri-Science (ASTE) $39,502 transfer to Account #22570101 (BOE ASTE  
CNR)  
· Impact Aide $304,635 transfer to Account #22570101 (BOE CNR Reserve  
Fund).  
·
Mr. Lamb asked Mr. Hartling if he could provide some background on how these funds  
would be used.  
Superintendent Hartling explained that the additional $304,635 Impact Aid would be  
used to fund projects in the Board of Education’s Capital Plan that was already  
submitted, that the Board of Education would approve.  
DISCUSSED  
RESULT:  
The Finance Committee agreed to revisit the ARPA Projects Funding pertaining to the  
Youth Mental Health Services. (See Old Business Item #1 above)  
IV  
ADJOURNMENT  
The Finance Committee agreed to cancel their August 7, 2024 meeting and to  
schedule a Special Meeting on August 14, 2024 at 5:30 p.m.  
Councilor Buhle moved the meeting be adjourned, seconded by Councilor Ryan.  
VOTE:  
3 - 0 Approved and so declared, the meeting was adjourned at 6:22 p.m.  
Respectfully submitted,  
Anthony Saccone, Sr.  
Committee Chairman  
Finance  
Committee  
DISCLAIMER: Although we try to be timely and accurate these are not official records of the  
Town.