741 Colonel Ledyard Highway

Ledyard, Connecticut 06339

TOWN OF LEDYARD

Finance Committee

Meeting Minutes

Chairman

Kevin J. Dombrowski

Regular Meeting

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

5:00 PM

Town Hall Annex Building - Hybrid

Format

WORKING DRAFT

In -Person Location -Council Chambers Town Hall Annex Building

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CALL TO ORDER

the Meeting was called to order by Councilor Saums at 5:00 p.m. at

the Council Chambers Town Hall Annex Building.

Councilor Saums 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

Councilor Bill Saums

Councilor Andra Ingalls

Councilor Tim Ryan

Present:

In addition, the following were present:

John Marshall, Town Councilor

S. Naomi Rodriguez, Town Councilor

Fred Allyn, III, Mayor

Matthew Bonin, Finance Director

Steve Holyfield, Administrator of Emergency Services

Tony Saccone, Chief Gales Ferry Fire Company

Steve Masalin, Public Works Director/Town Engineer

Jason Hartling, Superintendent of Schools

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION to approve the Finance Committee Regular Meeting Minutes of January 18, 2023.

Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor Ryan

VOTE: 3 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Andra Ingalls

RESULT:

MOVER:

Tim Ryan

SECONDER:

Saums, Ingalls and Ryan

AYE:

VI.

NEW BUSINESS

MOTION to authorize the purchase of a 2015 Ford Utility vehicle in the amount of $12,000

from Account # 21020551-57510 (GFFC CNR Vehicle) and authorize the transfer of $7,500

from Account # 21020551-57300 (GFFD CNR New Equipment) to Account #

21020551-57510 (GFFD CNR Vehicle).

Moved by Councilor Ryan, seconded by Councilor Ingalls

Discussion: Councilor Saums stated the Gales Ferry Fire Chief’s vehicle was aging

and it was beyond reasonable repair, noting that it had 167,000 miles on it, and the

dashboard no longer lights up, noting that the costs to repair the electronics was more

than the value of the vehicle itself. Therefore, he stated the Fire Chief has requested

authorization to purchase a used 2015 Ford as a stop gap measure to allow the

build-up of CNR funds.

Gales Ferry Fire Chief Tony Saccone noted that he received quotes for used vehicles and

felt that the 2015 Ford was the best option noting that they would receive $1,500 for

the trade-in of the current vehicle, which would bring the cost to purchase the used

2015 vehicle to $10,500. He noted that Account # 21020551-57510 (GFFC CNR

Vehicle) currently had an available balance of $4,500; and Account #

21020551-57300 (GFFD CNR New Equipment) had a current available balance of

$122,754, prior to the proposed transfer.

Councilor Ryan questioned with the purchase of the 2015 Ford whether the Gales

Ferry Fire Chief’s account would be totally depleted. Mr. Saccone stated that was

correct and he noted that in preparing the Gales Ferry Fire Department’s Fiscal Year

2023/2024 Budget that he had included the replacement of the Chief’s Vehicle in the

Department’s Capital Plan. Therefore, he stated with purchasing a replacement

vehicle at this time that they could remove the vehicle from the Fiscal Year

2023/2024 Capital Improvement (CIP) Budget.

Administrator of Emergency Services Steve Holyfield stated that $4,500 would come

out of Account # 21020551-57510 (GFFC CNR Vehicle) and $7,500 would come out

of Account # 21020551-57300 (GFFD CNR New Equipment) to purchase the used

2015 Ford. Councilor Ryan questioned whether they would have enough funding in

their Capital Accounts for other expenses that may arise for the remainder of this

year. Mr. Holyfield stated that they had adequate funding noting Account #

21020551-57300 (GFFD CNR New Equipment) had a balance of $122,754. He

suggested going forward that the funding for the Fire Chief’s vehicles for both Fire

Companies (Ledyard Center and Gales Ferry) be included in the Fire Apparatus

Replacement Capital Improvement Plan. However, he stated they could discuss this

idea as part of the Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Budget preparation.

Councilor Ryan questioned the reason the Fire Chief’s vehicles were not previously

included in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Mayor Allyn explained at one time

the Fire Chief’s received a stipend for the use of their personal vehicle and that this

changed overtime, to where both of the Fire Chief’s now have town vehicles and they

also receive a stipend for the service they provide.

VOTE: 3 - 0 Approved and so declared

The Finance Committee thanked Administrator of Emergency Services Steve Holyfield

and Gales Ferry Fire Chief Tony Saccone for attending tonight’s meeting.

Mr. Holyfield and Mr. Saccone left the meeting at 5:12 p.m.

RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL

Tim Ryan

RESULT:

MOVER:

Andra Ingalls

SECONDER:

Saums, Ingalls and Ryan

AYE:

IV.

PRESENTATIONS / INFORMATIONAL ITEMS

Discussion regarding the transfer of the Board of Education FY 21-22 operating budget

audited surplus of $448,253 to the BOE Capital Reserve Fund in accordance with the Town

Council adopted resolution that created the funding mechanism. Not factored into the

aforementioned surplus is the Board of Education Healthcare deficit for the same audit

period of $861,753.

Councilor Saums stated as a follow-up to the Finance Committee’s January 18, 2023

meeting at which they discussed the transfer of the Board of Education Fiscal Year

2021/2022 Operating Budget Audited Surplus of $448,253 to the BOE Capital

Reserve Fund in accordance with the in the 1989 “Resolution Creating a Funding

Mechanism for Making Annual Appropriations to a Capital Reserve Fund for the

Board of Education” that he along with the Mayor and Finance Director Matthew

Bonin met with Superintendent of Schools Jason Hartling and Board of Education

Director of Finance and Human Capital Rachel Moser earlier today.

Councilor Saums stated during the January 18, 2023 Finance Committee meeting that

the following issues were discussed:

· Board of Education Healthcare had a shortfall of $861,753.

· Employee expenses which included the Board of Education’s Healthcare was

carried/reflected on the General Government side of the ledger.

· Board of Education side of the ledger had a $448,253 Surplus.

Councilor Saums stated the question was whether the Board of Education’s Surplus

in the amount of $292,000 should be transferred to the BOE Capital Account per the

“Resolution Creating a Funding Mechanism for Making Annual Appropriations to a

Capital Reserve Fund for the Board of Education”.

Councilor Saums stated the bottom line was the money all comes out of one pot,

therefore, during their meeting earlier today the feeling was that they should follow

the Resolution and that the Board of Education’s Surplus should be transferred to

their Capital Account, because without the transfer of these funds the Board of

Education would not be able to do the capital projects that were scheduled for this

year.

Councilor Saums continued by explaining that transferring the Board of Education’s

Fiscal Year 2021/2022 Surplus Funds to their Capital Account would need to be

acted on by the Finance Committee and Town Council.

Councilor Ryan questioned where the accountability lied regarding the shortfall in the

budget for the Board of Education’s Healthcare costs, noting that you cannot have an

unexpected expenditure of nearly $1 million, without some accountably. Councilor

Saums stated that there may have been mistakes on both the Board of Education’s

side and the General Government side in calculating the healthcare cost number for

the budget. He stated about a year ago when the shortfall was first identified they

discussed drafting a Procedure to prevent this type of mistake from happening again.

He stated during today’s meeting they discussed that going forward the General

Government would be accountable for the Board of Education Healthcare expenses

in the annual budget. He explained that Finance Director Matthew Bonin would put

together a projection for all of the Healthcare Expenses (Board of Education and

General Government) based on information from the Munis Financial System. He

went on to explain that the Board of Education Director of Finance and Human

Capital Rachel Moser would be bringing everything up to date in the Munis Financial

System and would be updating the system every time there was a change in the Board

of Education’s employee population, (if an employee leaves, a new employee comes

on staff, a retired employee passes on, etc.). He stated this would ensure that the

single source of information (Munis Financial System) was up-to-date, and that Mr.

Bonin could put together a projected Healthcare forecast, review it with the Board of

Education and obtain their agreement. He also noted that the town would be working

with our Healthcare Consultant Joe Spurgeon.

Councilor Ryan suggested that there was some form of written communication that

the Board of Education agreed on the projected Healthcare cost for the annual budget

year. He went on to point out because the Board of Education’s Healthcare costs were

on the General Government side of the budget ledger that they never vote on the

Healthcare cost for their employees. Councilor Saums stated that was correct.

Councilor Ingalls questioned whether what Councilor Saums’ just described was the

“Procedure/Policy” and whether there was any agreement on it. Councilor Saums

stated that Finance Director Matthew Bonin was still in the process of writing the

“Procedure/Policy”.

Councilor Saums stated during today’s meeting they also discussed whether the

Board of Education’s Healthcare costs should once again reside on the Board of

Education’s side of the ledger instead of the General Government side of the ledger.

He stated the Group agreed that the Board of Education Healthcare costs should be

kept on the General Government side of the ledger based on past history.

Mayor Allyn stated by having the Board of Education Employees and the General

Government Employees in the same healthcare plan they were able to receive better

rates because they had a bigger pool. Councilor Ryan stated he understood the

benefits of having a larger healthcare pool. However, he stated he wanted to be sure

that measures were in-place so that the town was never put in this type of situation

again. He went on to note that as Finance Director Matthew Bonin has stated that this

situation has reduced the town’s Undesignated Fund Balance pushing them farther

under the threshold of the Town’s Fund Balance Reserve Fund Policy that was

adopted on May 23, 2018; which called for a minimum Undesignated Fund Balance

that equated to 7% of current year General Fund expenditures with an ultimate goal

of 10%

Councilor Ryan suggested they revise the 1989 “Resolution Creating a Funding

Mechanism for Making Annual Appropriations to a Capital Reserve Fund for the

Board of Education” to account for when the Board of Education’s Healthcare costs

were over the budgeted amount.

Superintendent of Schools Jason Hartling stated that while he understood Councilor

Ryan’s point relative to the Fiscal Year 2021/2022 Budget, that what was missing

from the conversation was that there have been years where the town has had a

$500,000 surplus in the Healthcare Account, which was not “credited” back to the

Board of Education’s budget. He stated there have been some swings in how the

Healthcare costs have been budgeted over the years, and he stated the swing was not

predicated on too many people enrolling in the healthcare plan. He stated this was a

bigger conversation, other than the Board of Education overspending Healthcare that

was on the town side of the ledger. He stated Finance Director Matthew Bonin has a

plan in how he would like to proceed with the Healthcare Cost projection.

Councilor Ryan stated his suggestion to revise the 1989 “Resolution Creating a

Funding Mechanism for Making Annual Appropriations to a Capital Reserve Fund

for the Board of Education” was not only to account overages but that it would also

account for surpluses, as the Resolution currently does.

Councilor Saums stated tonight’s discussion was for informational purposes. He

suggested that they continue their discussion regarding the Capital Plan, because that

was what this discussion was about, noting that 1989 “Resolution Creating a

Funding Mechanism for Making Annual Appropriations to a Capital Reserve Fund

for the Board of Education” was about how much money goes into the Board of

Education’s Capital Account. He stated during their meeting earlier today that they

discussed how they fund school buildings infrastructure and maintenance; and why

they don’t set money aside for things like roof replacements instead of bonding the

projects.

Councilor Ryan stated that he agreed that funding Capital Expenses was an important

discussion. However, he stated he was a fan of accountability and that he wanted to

make sure that we were holding ourselves and everyone else accountable for the

projections they make and the numbers that they agreed too. He stated if we do not do

that then they were doing the taxpayers a disservice.

Superintendent of Schools Jason Hartling left the meeting at 6:00 p.m.

III.

RESIDENTS & PROPERTY OWNERS COMMENTS

Mr. John Marshall, Long Cove Road Gales Ferry, Town Councilor, stated the

Finance Committee would be discussing the HVAC Systems at the Emergency

Services Building and at the Parks and Recreation/Senior Citizens Facility later this

evening. He questioned whether the town has considered replacing the HVAC

Systems at their buildings with a Geothermal System, noting that it would be more

cost effective to install and more efficient to run.

Councilor Saums stated he talked to Public Works Director/Town Engineer Steve

Masalin about Councilor Marshall’s January 27, 2023 e-mail and his Geothermal

System suggestions. He stated that he had planned to talk about the HVAC Systems

situation and Councilor Marshall’s suggestion later this evening when they discuss

that New Business Item #2. He went on to state that Public Works Director/Town

Engineer Steve Masalin was also present this evening and could speak to Councilor

Marshall’s suggestions as well.

VII. FINANCE DIRECTOR'S REPORT

Finance Director Matthew Bonin reported that the Annual Fiscal Year 2023/2024

Budget preparation was underway. He noted that he and the Mayor met with

Department Heads on January 25 & 26, 2023 to review their budget submittals. Mayor

Allyn stated a lot of work needed to be done to get the budget to a palatable number that

would work for the taxpayers. He noted the disparity of where the budget was at this

point in the process and where it needed to be. He stated as an example that for the

current year the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) was funded at $1.2 million which was

the highest year it had been funded. However, he stated for the upcoming Fiscal Year

(2023/2024) the Capital Improvement Plan submittals have come in $750,000 higher

than the current year.

VIII. FINANCIAL REPORTS

None.

NEW BUSINESS (Continued)

MOTION to revisit and amend the Motion regarding the appropriation of ARPA Funding for

HVAC Systems at the Emergency Services Building and Parks and Recreation/Senior

Citizens Facility approved at the Finance Committee’s January 18, 2023 meeting as follows:

MOTION to recommend the Town Council allocate funds from the American Rescue Plan

Act (ARPA) for the replacement of the following HVAC Systems:

•

Ledyard Emergency Services Building at 11 Fairway Drive, $200,000

Ledyard Senior Citizens Facility at 12 Van Tassel Drive, $155,000

Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor Ryan

Discussion: Councilor Saums stated subsequent to the Finance Committee’s January

18, 2023 meeting Public Works Director/Town Engineer Steve Masalin contacted

him and requested the HVAC item the Finance Committee acted on not be included

on the Town Council’s January 25, 2023 Agenda because there was some additional

background information that he wanted to present. Therefore, he stated this item was

to revisit their previous motion and to amend the language as presented this evening.

He stated the next motion would be to act on the Motion, as amended.

VOTE: 3 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

RESULT:

Andra Ingalls

Tim Ryan

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Saums, Ingalls and Ryan

AYE:

MOTION to allocate funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for the replacement

of the following HVAC Systems:

•

Ledyard Emergency Services Building at 11 Fairway Drive, $200,000

Ledyard Senior Citizens Facility at 12 Van Tassel Drive, $155,000

Moved by Councilor Ryan, seconded by Councilor Ingalls

Discussion: Councilor Saums stated that he has been communicating with Public Works

Director/Town Engineer Steve Masalin about these two HVAC System replacement

projects (Emergency Services Building and the Parks and Recreation/Senior Citizens

Facility). He provided some background noting the following:

· Emergency Services Building had two separate heating systems:

(1) Heating System for the Fire Apparatus Bays where the apparatus was housed was

working fine.

(2) Heating System for the reminder of the building which included the Meeting

Room, Offices, and Dormitory was the system that has failed. He explained that

that radiant heating in this part of the Emergency Services Building would not

work, noting that the work required was to replace the boiler and put in a cooling

unit.

Councilor Saums went on to state that he talked with Public Works

Director/Town Engineer Steve Masalin about Councilor Marshall’s January 27,

2023 e-mail and his suggestion to consider replacing the heating and cooling

systems with Geothermal Systems. He stated Geothermal was great for new

construction, noting the Mayor had a Geothermal System in his house. However,

he explained because the Emergency Services Building already had a heating

system that it would be a major undertaking to change to a Geothermal System.

He deferred to Mr. Masalin to talk more about the process to completely change

from an existing heating and cooling system to a Geothermal System.

Mayor Allyn stated when he had the Geothermal System installed in his new

construction house, that the contractor explained that it could not be a stand-alone

system. He stated that the Geothermal System needed to be coupled with spray foam

insulation, to create a tight building envelope for the system to work and so that the

electric costs would not soar, noting that during the winter the system used electricity

to compress the water coming up from the well. However, he stated the work would

involve trying to install spray foam insulation into the entire exterior wall cavities

and roof trusses in an existing building, such as the Emergency Services Building

noting that it would be tremendously challenging.

Public Works Director/Town Engineer Steve Masalin stated when he presented the

HVAC System replacement projects for the Ledyard Emergency Services Building

and the Ledyard Parks and Recreation/Senior Citizens Facility at the January 18,

2023 Finance Committee meeting that it was for exploratory purposes, noting that he

did not expect the Committee to act on a motion that evening. He stated although he

had the information that he was presenting this evening at that time, that he had not

yet put the proposal/request package together.

Mr. Masalin addressed the suggestion to consider replacing the existing HVAC

Systems with a Geothermal System, noting that he did not have much to add to what

the Mayor explained this evening, except that the cost that was represented in

Councilor Marshall’s e-mail was not close to what it would cost to install a

Geothermal System into an existing building. He stated in addition to the reasons that

the Mayor noted, the installation of a Geothermal System would also include costs

for an engineering evaluation, the design work which would need to include

integrating the system with the sites which were very tight, along with subterrain

issues at both the Emergency Services Building and the Parks and Recreation/Senior

Citizens Facility.

Mr. Masalin stated that he frequently tried to use all of the different opportunities

available to save administration time and to take advantage of the competitive

bidding which was inherent to the process in other ways. He stated although the

Gordian Group may have left them thinking that generally these things do not work

so well, however, he stated these opportunities were more viable than other

approaches.

Mr. Masalin continued by providing some background noting that there were several

unanticipated HVAC failures at Town buildings over the last two years. This was

coupled with need to rotate out aging assets and the realignment of provisions based

on current space usage:

· Town Hall: Failure of the A/C-heat pumps serving the front half of the building. The

system supplying the rear half was of the same vintage. It was decided to proceed

with comprehensive replacement. The $80,000 project was funded through ARPA

and currently complete, except for improvements in the Town Clerk’s Vault and the

replacement of the MIS split unit. This project was a combination of an Omni

Partners Government Services Bid (Trane) for the equipment and CT State bid for the

labor.

· Bill Library HVAC System was also replaced.

· Emergency Services Building Phase I (ESB) was built in 2004: Mr. Masalin stated

there were multiple failures of heating and A/C system in the building. He stated

because of the urgency to provide heat in the Apparatus Bays that Phase 1 has been

completed. He stated these heating repairs involved the straightforward

replacement/reorientation, noting the total cost of the project was $84,000 which

included the associated electrical work. He stated the bulk of project was completed

through CT State Bid (Air Temp-$80,000, attached to agenda on the meeting portal

for informational purposes). He went on to note as a comparison that a second

estimate for the heating system work was obtained through Omni Partners (Trane) in

the amount of $95,000, without the associated miscellaneous work, explaining the

Omni Partners Government Services Bidding (Trane) Bid exceeded CT State Bid. He

stated funds were drawn from the Building Upgrade Reserve Account to pay for this

project. Phase I was not part of tonight’s request.

Mr. Masalin went on to explain that the air handlers 3 & 4 in the Emergency

Services Building have been taken care, noting that the Modine Heaters were

removed and they installed radiant heat in the Apparatus Bays. He stated the Modine

Heaters were reused where they could these types of heating units.

· Emergency Services Building Phase II (ESB): Mr. Masalin stated the remaining work

at the Emergency Services Building included the broader heating and A/C

replacements that cannot be suitably accomplished apart from substantial realignment

to meet present and prospective building utilization. He explained that a substantial

effort has been put into this and was reflected in the quote received through a CT

State Bid proposal for $190,000. The Air Temp proposal was attached to the agenda

on the meeting portal; and that this price was good until February 19, 2023. He stated

he has added some funding to cover electrical services that may be needed to support

the project. He stated the Omni Partners Government Services Bidding (Trane) Bid

was not completed; and therefore, was not attached to the Agenda on the meeting

portal.

· Parks and Recreation/Senior Center Facility: Ms. Masalin stated the Parks and

Recreation/Senior Center has been operating with a partial A/C and also had the

original heating equipment that was relatively inefficient and also due for

replacement. He stated separate proposals for the heating and the air conditioning

have been secured according to CT State Bid pricing in the amounts of $75,000 and

$72,000, respectively (Air Temp proposal, was attached to the agenda on the meeting

portal) for a combined total of $147,000. He stated both of these proposals were also

good until February 19, 2023. He stated that they had previously received a separate

proposal through Omni Partners Government Services Bidding (Trane) for the

combined package in the amount of $262,000 - $293,000.

Mr. Masalin stated a bid waiver was not required for either of these two projects

because they were using contractors on the State Bid List.

It was noted that the Procurement Rules under Uniform Guidance require competitive

bidding for purchases in excess of $250,000. As these projects fall under that

threshold, utilizing the State Bid pricing was acceptable

Councilor Ryan noted that age of both of these building stating that the new systems

would be more efficient.

VOTE: : 3 - 0 Approved and so declared

The Finance Committee thanked Mr. Masalin for the information he presented this

evening.

Mr. Masalin left the meeting at 5:50 p.m.

RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL

Tim Ryan

RESULT:

MOVER:

Andra Ingalls

SECONDER:

Saums, Ingalls and Ryan

AYE:

MOTION to adopt proposed revisions to the “Resolution Establishing

Administrator/Department Head Benefits” as contained in the draft dated February 8, 2023.

No Action

NO ACTION

RESULT:

Any other New Business proper to come before the Committee.

None.

IX.

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.

Councilor Saums stated Finance Director Matthew Bonin provided an updated

spreadsheet regarding the status and funding for the ARPA Projects.

The Finance Committee, Mayor Allyn, and Finance Director Matt Bonin reviewed the

ARPA Project Status Spreadsheet.

Councilor Ryan noted that a number of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Project have

not been started yet. He questioned other than reasons such as seasonal, why some

projects have not been started, noting that the ARPA Funding had to be obligated by

2024 and expended by 2026.

The Group noted the following:

Linda C. Davis Food Pantry Improvements- The new roof has been installed; however,

the new siding has not been installed yet. Mayor Allyn explained the Food Pantry

Volunteers requested a weather shelter covered entry area be added to the building;

therefore, they were waiting for this work to be done before they installed the new siding

on the building.

Town Hall HVAC - Has been completed, the air conditioning will not be turned on and

tested until this summer (2023).

Skid Mounted Sewer Pump - has been delivered; it will be installed this spring (2023).

Gales Ferry Sidewalks - Does not have an assigned owner, does not have a sidewalk

plan. The town needs to conduct a Gales Ferry Corridor Study, to have a

recommendation regarding where the sidewalks should be placed in Gales Ferry.

Mayor Allyn stated the Land Use Department has not been fully staffed for some time;

and the Land Use Director was overburdened with a tremendous amount of work.

Therefore, no progress has been made toward conducting the Gales Ferry Corridor

Study. He suggested the town solicit the Southeastern Connecticut Council of

Governments (SCCOG) to conduct the Gales Ferry Corridor Study. He noted that Land

Use Director Juliet Hodge recently completed the Comprehensive Zoning Regulations

Rewrite, and that she had to finish the Subdivision Regulations Rewrite to be in alliance

with the new the Zoning Regulations. In addition, with the townspeople’s November 6,

2022 approval of the sale of recreational marijuana that Zoning Regulations that permit

the sale of marijuana in town have to be drafted/completed by June 30, 2023 in

accordance with state statute.

Ledyard Center Sidewalk fill-in There are a few places in Ledyard Center such as in

front of Holdridge’s where there are sections of the sidewalks that are missing.

Electric Vehicle Charging (EV) Stations - Work need to be done to determine where

the Electric Vehicle Charging Stations should be located.

LED Signs - The Request for Proposals (RFP) for the LED Signs would be posted on

February 16, 2023. The Bid Opening would be in early March, the Bid would be

awarded, and the project should be completed by the end of May, 2023.

Playscape at 13 Winthrop - The Playscape was delivered in November, 2022. The

Playscape would be installed in the Spring, 2023. Instead of woodchips they plan to pour

a rubberized pad around the equipment.

Erickson Park Enhancements - Public Works would be doing some work to install a

retaining wall and create some additional parking.

Councilor Ryan noted that he has seen a number of people kayaking at Erickson Park.

He suggested that the launch be regraded, noting that it was quite steep.

Lester House Repairs and Up-Down Sawmill - The spreadsheet indicated that these

projects were in-progress.

Finance Director Matthew Bonin noted that the Historic District Commission received a

Grant to conduct a structural engineering review of the Sawmill. He noted that the

Report would provide recommendations on the areas that need to be addressed. He

stated that he would follow-up with Historic District Commission Chairman Vincent

Godino to check on the status of these projects.

Replace Dispatch Console Stations - Project has been completed $14,513 under budget.

Mayor Allyn explained that some projects may come in under budget and other projects

may come-in over budget. Therefore, he stated for the projects that come-in under

budget that the funds would be added to the undesignated balance to be used toward

other projects that come in over budget. He noted as an example of a project that may

have a cost overrun from the amount that was initially budgeted was the Ledyard Center

Sewer Extension Project noting that the cost of the ductile piping has increased by

200%.

Solar Charging Stations - Mayor Allyn stated the town purchased four solar charging

stations, noting that they came in under budget. He explained that some solar charging

stations were deployed at the Town Green, Bill Library, Gales Ferry Library to see how

they worked. He stated the charging stations were secured and bolted to the ground in

concrete.

The Finance Committee thanked the Finance Director for his work on the ARPA

Spreadsheet.

Councilor Rodriguez questioned whether the Mayor had any updates on the Federal

Infrastructure Funding for Municipalities.

Mayor Allyn stated the Federal Government has prioritized the roll out of Infrastructure

Funding over a five-year projection. He noted as an example:

Funding for Airports and Railway would be disbursed one year.

Funding for Bridges and Culverts would be disbursed in 2024.

Funding for Multi-Model Pedestrian Access would be disbursed another year.

Mayor Allyn stated Mark Boughton was heading up the Federal Infrastructure Funding

for the State of Connecticut. He stated Mr. Boughton spoke at the Southeastern

Connecticut Council of Governments (SCCOG) meeting and he explained that this

year’s focus was to make sure your town’s project was with an adjacent community. He

stated a singular town project would go to the bottom of the pile.

Councilor Saums stated State Senator Cathy Osten, Representative Kevin Ryan,

Representative Craig Howard, and Representative Brian Lanoue have introduced the

following two House Bills: (1) $265,000 to be used for Heating Ventilation, Air

Conditioning, and other equipment for the Emergency Services Building; and (2)

$350,000 to be used for a Roof and Apparatus for the Gales Ferry Fire Department. He

stated the second Bill was a result of Gales Ferry Fire Chief Tony Saccone asking if they

could ask the State for funding for Apparatus.

Mayor Allyn stated one of the apparatus items that was supposed to be included in the

$350.000 Bill was natural gas generator for the Parks and Recreation/Senior Citizens

Facility. He stated he would contact Senator Osten to ensure the generator was included

in the “Apparatus” Bill. He stated because there was a natural gas line that runs up to

the Parks and Recreation/Senior Citizens Facility that the thought was if they had a

whole building generator that the facility could be used during a crisis or bad storm

because they had a commercial kitchen, bathroom facilities, etc.

CONTINUE

RESULT:

Any other Old Business proper to come before the Committee.

None.

XI.

ADJOURNMENT

Councilor Saums moved the meeting be adjourned, seconded by Councilor Ingalls.

VOTE: 3 - 0 Approved and so declared, the meeting was adjourned at 6:19 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

William D. Saums

Committee Chairman

Finance

Committee

DISCLAIMER: Although we try to be timely and accurate these are not official records of the

Town.