741 Colonel Ledyard Highway

Ledyard, Connecticut 06339

TOWN OF LEDYARD

Finance Committee

Meeting Minutes

Chairman Gary St. Vil

Regular Meeting

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

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://ledyardct.zoom.us/j/89312976497?pwd=wTKbgZ8onBfYpFaSNWaoGVxsnN3ZiL.1

by Audio Only: Telephone: +1 646 558 8656; Meeting ID: 893 1297 6497; Passcode:

296609

CALL TO ORDER

the Meeting was called to order by Committee Chairman Councilor Buhle at 5:00

p.m. at the Council Chambers Town Hall Annex Building.

Councilor Buhle welcomed all to the Hybrid Meeting. She 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

Jessica Buhle

Present:

Carmen Garcia-Irizarry

Tim Ryan

In addition, the following were present:

Gary St. Vil Town Council Chairman

Ty (Earl) Lamb Town Councilor

Fred Allyn, IIMI ayor

Matthew Bonin Finance Director

Jeff Erhart Gales Ferry Fire Company chief

Jason HartlingSchool Superintendent

Ken Knight Board of Education Finance Director

Jennifer Reguin Board of Education Chairman

Dennis Main Avalonia Land Conservancy President

Deborah Vessels Resident

Karen Parkinson Resident

Jeff Eilenberger Resident

Roxanne Maher Administrative Assistant

III.

RESIDENTS & PROPERTY OWNERS COMMENTS

Mr. Jeff Eilenberger, 2 Village Drive, Ledyard, addressed the transfer of unspent

Board of Education Funding, noting that the town’s past practice was to transfer the

Board of Education’s surplus funds to their Capital Non-Recurring Account.

However, he noted in accordance with Connecticut General Statues 10-248(a)

Unexpended Education Funds Account which stated the following:

“For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, and each fiscal year thereafter,

notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes or any special act, municipal

charter, home rule ordinance or other ordinance, a local board of education may

deposit into a non-lapsing account any unexpended funds from the prior fiscal year

from the budgeted appropriation for education, provided: (1) such deposited amount

does not exceed two percent of the total budgeted appropriation for education for

such prior fiscal year; (2) each expenditure from such account shall be made only for

educational purposes; and (3) each such expenditure shall be authorized by the local

board of education for such town.”

Mr. Eilenberger suggested if the Board of Education’s annual budget surplus

exceeded 2% that they look at the budget for next year (Fiscal Year 2026/2027).

Mr. Ty (Earl) Lamb, 95 Lambtown Road, Ledyard, Town Councilor, noted Old

Business Item # 2 regarding the scheduling of Joint Meetings between the Finance

Committees of the Town Council & Board of Education. He stated at last night’s

Board of Education Finance Committee meeting they updated their Fiscal Year

2026/2027 Budget Planning Timeline. He stated that he was interested in the Board

of Education’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Presentation. He stated that he hoped

that Land Use/Planning/Public Works Committee Chairman James Thompson would

be made aware that this opportunity existed and they make sure the scheduling of the

Prestation occurred.

Mrs. Deborah Vessels, 1055 Colonel Ledyard Highway, attending remotely via

Zoom, noted New Business Items # 4 & #5 on tonight’s Agenda. She stated that she

submitted a letter to the Finance Committee today to express her and her husband

Dave Vessels support for the town to issue a “Letter of Commitment” to Avalonia

Land Conservancy, Inc., and to provide funding to assist Avalonia Land Conservancy

for various Open Space Projects. She stated that tonight’s she was specifically

addressing the acquisition of the following parcels to be preserved as Open Space:

· 173-175 Stoddard’s Wharf Road, 30.30+/- acres

· 1069 Colonel Ledyard Highway; 20.23 +/- acres

Mrs. Vessels noted that Avalonia Land Conservancy has proven their capability of

stewardship of the properties they oversee and was a premier leader in land

conservation and management in the larger surrounding area. Mrs. Vessels thanked

the Finance Committee for their consideration and support of these land acquisitions.

IV.

PRESENTATIONS / INFORMATIONAL ITEMS

None.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION to approve the Finance Committee Regular Meeting Minutes of October 15, 2025

Moved by Councilor Garcia-Irizarry, seconded by Councilor Ryan

VOTE:

3- 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Carmen Garcia-Irizarry

Tim Ryan

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Finance Director’s Report - Fiscal Year 2025-2026

Vi.

Finance Director Matthew Bonin reported on the following: (1) Annual Audit Fiscal Year Ending

Juen 30, 2025 - Mr. Bonin stated the Auditor Clifton/Larson/Allen has completed the Annual

Report for June 30, 2025 and it was formally submitted to the State Office of Policy &

Management (OPM) on December 30, 2025. He stated the Audit Report were emailed to the

Town Council on January 6, 2026 for their review in preparation for the Auditors to present ethe

Audit at the Finance Committee’s February 4, 2026 meeting; and (2) Fiscal Year 2026/2027

Budget Preparation - Mr. Bonin stated that the Department Heads have been entering their

proposed budgets into the Munis Financial System. He noted their Operational and Capital

Budgets were due to the Mayor on January 20, 2026.

CONTINUE

RESULT:

Financial Reports - Fiscal Year 2025-2026

VII.

Finance Director Matthew Bonin noted that he provided the six-month Budget versus Actual

Expenditure Report through December 31, 2025. He stated he would provide the Revenue

Report though December, at the Finance Committee’s January 21, 2026 meeting.

Mr. Bonin noted that he would be happy to the Finance Committee’s questions. Councilor

Buhle stated hearing no questions the Committee would move on to Old Business.

CONTINUE

RESULT:

VIII. OLD BUSINESS

Discussion regarding potential uses for the funding received from the National Opioid

Settlement Payments.

Mayor Allyn, III stated that no additional National Opioid Settlement Payments have

been received since the last Finance Committee meeting.

CONTINUE

RESULT:

Discussion scheduling Regular Quarterly Joint Finance Committee Meetings between the

Town Council and Board of Education.

Councilor Buhle stated that she reached out to Board of Education Finance

Committee Chairman Amanda Veneziano check on their availability for a Joint

Meeting on January 21, 2026. She explained that this would be in-place of the Town

Council’s Finance Committee’s regular meeting. However, she stated that she has not

heard back from Ms. Veneziano yet.

Councilor Ryan stated the Board of Education has a number of Fiscal Year

2026/2027 Budget Work Shops scheduled. He stated that it may be helpful if

members of the Town Council’s Finance Committee could attend the Board of

Education’s Work Shops, which would be in addition to any of their Joint Meetings.

He noted the following dates:

· January 13, 2026 @ 6:00 p.m. - School Superintendent’s Fiscal Year 2026/2027

Budget Presentation. Councilor Ryan suggested this would be a good Work Shop

for them all to attend as residents.

· January 20, 2026 @ 7:00 p.m. Budget Work Shop

Councilor Buhle noted Councilor Lamb’s comments earlier this evening (III

Residents and Property Owners Comments) in which he suggested the Land

Use/Planning/Public Works Committee (LUPPW) attend the Board of Education’s

Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Presentation relative to working together to create

an overarching list of all the maintenance needs for all of the School Buildings and

Town Buildings. She explained during the LUPPW Committee’ January 5, 2026

meeting that Councilor Lamb suggested that the List would be similar to the Town

Facilities Maintenance Schedule List that Public Works Director/Town Engineer

Steve Masalin manages. She stated the goal would be to develop a timeline for the

maintenance needs for all of their facilities. She stated that she was also a member of

the Land Use/Planning/Public Works Committee; and therefore, she suggested that

because the facilities maintenance needs would involve funding that she suggested

the Finance Committee be involved in the process. She stated although they could

identify needs and establish a schedule; that if the funding was not available that

those Capital Improvements were not going to happen.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry noted the Board of Education’s Budget Work Shop

Schedule included a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Presentation to Land Use;

however, she noted that a date has not been set. Therefore, she questioned whether

the Board would be giving two Capital Improvement Plan Presentations; one to the

Land Use/Planning/Public Works Committee and one to the full Town Council.

School Superintendent Jason Harlting stated the Town Charter required the Board of

Education to give their Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to Land Use. He stated

because the Board of Education’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) was only reflected

in the Budget as two lines, and therefore, he felt that because there was a disconnect

that last year (fy 25/26) the Board of Education also provided their entire Capital

Improvement Plan (CIP) to the full Town Council.

Chapter VII; Section 4 of the Town Charter stated:

“The Board of Education shall participate in the review of municipal

improvements and capital projects that is conducted by the Mayor and the

Planning Commission during the budget preparation process so that the

Board’s capital needs are reflected in a unified list of projects for the Town.

Such Capital Improvement Plan shall be included in the Board of Education

Budget.”

CONTINUE

RESULT:

Continued discussion regarding upcoming potential Grant Opportunities.

Councilor Buhle stated that the town would only be eligible to submit a Small Town

Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) Grant Application if they have fully

expended the STEAP Grant Funding they previously received; and the project has

been closed out. Therefore, she questioned whether Parks, Recreation, & Senior

Citizens Director Scott Johnson, Jr., has purchased all of the Playscapes for the Town

Green, Aljen Heights, Blonders Park, East Drive using the 2025 STEAP funding.

Mayor Allyn, III stated Mr. Johnson told him that they were ordering all of the

Playscapes together and that they would all be installed at the same time; along with

the Pour in-Place Playground Surface. He stated that he would follow-up with Mr.

Johnson on the timeline regarding the 2025 Ledyard Playscape Improvement

Projects.

Mayor Allyn went on to note that the Historic District Commission was looking to

submit a Grant Application for the Sawmill Pond Dam Replacement. He stated that

more information would be forthcoming as they get their documentation together.

CONTINUE

RESULT:

Any Old Business proper to come before the Committee.

None.

IX.

NEW BUSINESS

MOTION to authorize the expenditure of $4,645 for the purpose of removing firefighting

foam and cleaning the foam system on Gales Ferry Engine 21.

Moved by Councilor Ryan, seconded by Councilor Garcia-Irizarry

Discussion: Gales Ferry Fire Chief Jeff Erhart, attending remotely via Zoom,

provided some background stating at their October 22, 2025 meeting the Town

Council authorized the town to submit a grant through the State of Connecticut for

the removal of firefighting foam and to clean the foam system on Gales Ferry Engine

21. However, he stated that they did not authorize him to expend the funds because

he only had one quote for the work at that time.

Chief Erhart went on to note in response to the Finance Committee’s October 15,

2025 request that he has obtained three quotes from remediation contractors the

work, noting that they were attached to the Agenda on the Meeting Portal for

tonight’s meeting. He noted that Moran Environmental Recovery, LLC (MER) quote

in the amount of $4,645 was the low quote, noting that the other two quotes were

both over $7,000. He stated the work that Moran Environmental Recovery, LLC has

provided a quote for was in-line with what the State required.

VOTE: 3- 0 Approved and so declared

RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL

Tim Ryan

RESULT:

MOVER:

Carmen Garcia-Irizarry

SECONDER:

Buhle, Garcia-Irizarry and Ryan

AYE:

MOTION to appropriate and transfer $157,133 from Account #10188210-59300

(Transferred Funds) to Account #22570101-58250 (BOE CNR Reserve Fund);

In addition, appropriate $157,133 to Account #225670101-58250 (BOE CNR Reserve Fund)

..end.

Moved by Councilor Garcia-Irizarry, seconded by Councilor Ryan

Discussion: School Superintendent Jason Hartling explained that the Board of

Education received $157,133 more in the Federal Impact Aide Grant Funding for

Fiscal Year 2024/2025 than the amount that was projected in the budget. He stated

historically the Town Council has transferred the additional revenues to the Board of

Education’s Capital Non-Recurring Account to be used for Capital Projects.

Therefore, he stated in his July 29, 2025 letter he requested the $157,133 Federal

Impact Aide Funding be transferred to the Board of Education Capital Account along

with the list of projects that the Board of Education planned to use the funding for.

Mr. Hartling went on to explain at their September 17, 2025 meeting the Finance

Committee did not approve the July 29, 2025 request to transfer the additional

$157,133 received from Impact Aid to the Board of Education’s Capital Account. He

noted in their September 24, 2025 letter the Finance Committee indicated that they

would willing to reconsider the request upon the receipt of a revised Capital Projects

List for the use of the additional Impact Aid funds. Mr. Hartling stated in accordance

with that direction, the Board of Education reviewed its remaining unfunded needs

and approved a revised set of projects; which he forwarded in his December 2, 2025

letter and was before the Finance Committee for consideration this evening.

Mr. Hartling provided an overview of the use of the additional $157,133 in

Federal Impact Aid revenue received that was above the Board of Education’s

Fiscal Year 2024/2025 budgeted estimate as follows:

Revised Capital Projects Request 2025- Impact Aid Revenue Surplus

Project

Replacement Fire Doors LHS

FM System LMS $90,000

Music Room Renovations LHS

Building

Estimated Cost

$40,000

Notes

Will Replace remaining Fire Doors

Install FM System for Hearing Impaired

Upgrade Music Room LHS

$27,000

Mr. Hartling stated the benefit of having these funds allocated now, would allow

them to be done during the summer break.

Councilor Ryan noted Finance Director Matthew Bonin’s notes in the Legislative File

regarding the receipt of additional revenues received.

Finance Director Matthew Bonin stated that he did not agree with the Board of

Education’s request for the additional revenues received from Impact Aid be

allocated to their Capital Budget, explaining that most of the revenue lines in the

budget were based off estimates. Therefore, he stated there should not be an

expectation that because actual revenues exceed a budget estimate, that the revenue

overage was available and owed to the Department. He went on to explain that the

Impact Aid should be treated as tax revenues, because the purpose of the Federal

Funding was to off-set the loss of tax revenues associated with Mashantucket Pequot

Nation (MPTN) and military impacts. He stated if the Board of Education’s or any

Department’s revenues fall-short of the amount projected in the budget they do not

claw back funds. He stated allocated revenue that comes in excess of the projected

budget sets a bad precedent and could create an incentive to under budget revenues.

He noted as an example that the Land Use Department’s (Building /Zoning/Planning)

and the Town Clerk’s revenues far exceed their projected revenues. Therefore, he

should they be able to ask for those additional funds to spend for their Departments.

Councilor Buhle stated she understood Finance Director Matthew Bonin’s position

regarding the receipt of revenues that were in excess of the budgeted amount; noting

that they have to do a better job at projecting their revenues, because every time they

under estimate their revenues they were placing a larger tax burden on their residents.

However, she stated because the Board of Education would be using the additional

Impact Aid Funding for one-time Capital Projects that need to be done, that she

would agree with transferring the additional $157,133 in Federal Impact Aid revenue

to the Board of Education because it would be an opportunity to complete things on

the list without overburdening the taxpayers and would improve the students

experience.

Mr. Hartling stated using the excess revenues was the only way the Board of

Education could do Capital Projects; outside of the projects the townspeople have

approved to Bond. He stated unless there was another funding stream identified to

support their capital needs that it was going to difficult for them to continue to

maintain any improvements in their buildings. He also noted that if the Board of

Education does not rush to spend all of their budget at the end of the year that their

budget surplus was then moved to their Capital Account for needed projects.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry questioned if the additional $157,133 in Federal Impact

Aid revenue was not available, whether the there was plan to do three projects

identified (see above) as part of their Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Mr. Hartling

stated the three projects would have been included in the Fiscal Year 2026/2027

Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). He stated the community benefited by using these

additional revenues for these one-time capital expenses.

Councilor Garica-Irizarry requested clarification asking whether the additional

$157,133 in Federal Impact Aid were non-budgeted revenues. Mr. Hartling stated

that the additional $157,133 in Federal Impact Aid were non-budgeted revenues.

Councilor Garica-Irizarry stated that she agreed with Finance Director Matthew

Bonin that they had to do a better job in projecting their revenues.

Councilor Buhle stated that they have to do a better job at projected their revenues,

because every they under estimate their revenues that they were placing a larger tax

burden on our residents year after year.

Mayor Allyn, III stated that he shared and appreciated Finance Director Matthew

Bonin’s comments regarding revenues that were received that exceeded the projected

budget. He went on to note that the Item # 3 on tonight’s Agenda was to cancel a

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

Capital Reserve Fund for the Board of Education” that has been in-place since 1988

for the purpose they were discussing, which was to set-a-side the Board of

Education’s surplus funds at the end of the year to their Capital-Non-Recurring

Account for on-time capital expenses that were previously identified in the Board of

Education’s budget as a high priority.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry noted in reviewing the Impact Aid Revenue History in

Fiscal Year 2021/2022 the Projected Impact Aid Revenue was $1.5 million; however,

the amount received was $1.387 million, noting that the funding received was short

by $112,918. Therefore, she questioned when the projected revenues come in below

the projected amount what the Board of Education does. Mr. Hartling stated the

revenues were on the General Government’s side of the Budget Ledger, noting that

the Board of the Education provided their projected the revenues; and that the Town

chooses which number to put in the budget. He stated if their revenues come in below

the amount budgeted the Board of Education would not come to the Town Council to

add to their Capital Projects.

Councilor Ryan noted with the exception of Fiscal Year 2021/2022 that the Board of

Education’s revenues were consistently under budgeted; and therefore, he questioned

if there was a reason for that. School Superintendent Jason Hartling explained that

because of the variables, that the grant funding was a floating number. He stated the

direction he received since he joined Ledyard was not to over budget their projected

revenues, noting that they were trying to be more accurate. He stated it was

tremendously difficult to project grant revenues, noting that it fluctuates every year.

Mr. Hartling went on to explain that the additional $157,133 in Federal Impact Aid

was a non-budgeted revenue.

Councilor Ryan questioned how the Board of Education’s additional revenues have

been used in prior years. Mr. Hatling stated that every year the Board of Education

has sent a request detailing how the additional revenues would be used.

Mayor Allyn, III provided clarification regarding Mr. Hartling’s comments about the

Board of Education’s projected revenues. He stated that the Town does not set the

Board of Education’s Revenues. He noted in reviewing the budget and the data the

Board of Education provided; that the projected revenues mirrored the numbers the

Board of Education provided.

Councilor Ryan questioned whether they would have insight regarding how these

additional revenues were used. School Superintendent Jason Hartling stated at their

February 28, 2024 meeting the Town Council approved to set-up a new, stand alone,

Board of Education Capital Fund for Non-Bonded Board of Education Capital Items to

reside outside of the Town’s Capital Nonrecurring Fund (CNR Fund 210).

Councilor Ryan questioned whether the three Capital Projects: (1) High School Fire

Doors; (2) High School Music Room Renovations; and (3) Middle School FM System

for Hearing Impaired were included in the Board of Education’s Fiscal Year 2024/2025

Capital Plan. Mr. Hartling stated that the Replacement of the Fire Doors at the High

School may have been included in the budget; however the High School Music Room

Renovations and Middle School FM System for the Hearing Impaired were projects they

have been added in. Councilor Ryan questioned the reason they did not choose projects

that were already on the Capital Plan; and whether they would be able to complete these

projects during this current fiscal year (25/26). Mr. Hartling stated these projects were

put forward because of the turn-around time, stating by approving the funding at this

time they could solicit bids and could accomplish the projects during this current fiscal

year (25/26).

Councilor Buhle stated that they had to provide accessibility for all students’ educational

experience regardless of their abilities, noting that it was not optional.

Councilor Ryan stated when they under budget their revenues; and then they

appropriate additional revenues received for expenses that were not included in the

budget that they were penalizing the taxpayers. He stated they needed to do a better

job for their taxpayers. He requested that the Board of Education provide the Finance

Committee report once this spending plan for the additional $157,133 in Federal

Impact Aid has been executed

VOTE: 3- 0 Approved and so declared

RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL

Carmen Garcia-Irizarry

Tim Ryan

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Buhle, Garcia-Irizarry and Ryan

AYE:

MOTION to cancel "Resolution Creating a Funding Mechanism for Making Annual

Appropriations to a Capital Reserve Fund for the Board of Education" adopted on September

28, 1988.

Moved by Councilor Ryan, seconded by Councilor Garcia-Irizarry

Discussion: Councilor Ryan provided some background explaining that last year the

State Legislature adopted a new Public Act #24-45 “An Act Concerning Education

Mandate Relief”; which basically obviates the “Resolution Creating a Funding

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

Board of Education”. He noted that since 1988 the Resolution allowed for the Board

of Education’s surplus at the end of the fiscal year to be transferred to their Capital

Account to specially be used for Capital Expenses. He stated Public Act #24-45

allowed Connecticut Board of Educations to use Non-Lapsing Accounts to carry over

unspent education funds (up to 2% of the prior budget) for future Educational

Expenses.

Councilor Ryan went on to explain that it was his understanding that the Board of

Education currently does not have “Non-Lapsing Account”, noting that a new fund

would need to be set-up. School Superintendent Jason Hartling stated that the Board

of Education would transfer their budget surplus to their Capital Non-Recurring

Fund. However, he noted that per Public Act #24-45 that the funds did not have to

solely be used for Capital Expenses, noting that the Public Act stated the surplus

funds were to be used for “Future Educational Expenses”.

Councilor Ryan stated Public Act #24-45 would take precedent over the 1988

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

Capital Reserve Fund for the Board of Education” to the extent that it allows the

surplus funds to be transferred, noting that the language of Public Act #24-45 stated:

“Notwithstanding any existing ordinance; or any existing requirement in a Municipal

Charter”. However, he stated in accordance with Chapter VII of the Ledyard Town

Charter that the Town Council was responsible “for appropriating all non-budgeted

revenue”. Therefore, he stated regardless of what Public Act #24-45 said that the

Town Council would still be required to act to transfer the funds, noting that the

Board of Education could not transfer the funds. He stated if their Town Charter was

silent or did not address that financial power, and give it to the Town Council; that

the Board of Education could at its own discretion transfer their year-end budget

surplus.

Finance Director Matthew Bonin explained the following terms:

Non-Lapsing Fund:

· Was a Special Fund where unspent education funds don't automatically revert to

the town's general fund at year-end.

· Would allow the Board of Education to save and use surplus funds for

educational needs in subsequent years, rather than losing them.

· It was not solely for the Capital Expenses.

Capital Non-Recurring Fund:

· Used specifically for Capital Expenses

· It could not be used for other educational purposes.

Mr. Bonin went on to explain for the Board of Education to transfer up to 2% of their

year-end budget surplus for Future Educational Expenses that a new Non-Lapsing

Fund would need to be set-up.

Councilor Garica-Irizarry questioned the process going forward if they cancelled the

1988 “Resolution Creating a Funding Mechanism for Making Annual Appropriations

to a Capital Reserve Fund for the Board of Education”.

Councilor Ryan stated because there would be reporting requirements for Auditing

purposes that it would behoove them to have some controls in-place on how the

funds were expended, noting that the funds would be transferred on the Board of

Education’s side of the ledger.

Councilor Buhle questioned how Mayor Allyn, III and Superintendent Hartling

interpreted Public Act #24-45 in relation to the Town Charter.

Superintendent Hartling stated that it was complex noting the following:

· State Law when it was in conflict with the Town Charter, supersedes. He stated

the Town Charter could not override State Law.

· Town Council’s February 28, 2024’s action set-up a new, stand alone, Board of

Education Capital Fund for Non-Bonded Board of Education Capital Items to

reside outside of the Town’s Capital Non-Recurring Fund (CNR Fund 210)

(Non-Lapsing Account). Mr. Hartling stated this account already exists on the

Board of Education’s side of the budget ledger and was under the authority of the

Board of Education per Public Act #24-45.

· Under State Law, each year the Town Councils gives the Board of Edudation an

annual appropriation (Annual Budget). For Fiscal Year 2025/2026 the Board of

Education’s annual appropriation was $40,667,242. He stated that $40,667,242

was exclusively under the direction of the Board of Education. He explained that

Public Act #24-25 stated that if the Board of Education had funds remaining at the

end of the fiscal year that they could transfer those fund (up-to 2%) into the Board

of Education’s Non-Lapsing Account; without anyone telling them how to use

those funds. He stated that the Board of Education has indicated that they would use

those funds in the non-Lapsing Account for Capital Needs.

· 1988 “Resolution Creating a Funding Mechanism for Making Annual

Appropriations to a Capital Reserve Fund for the Board of Education” - Mr.

Hartling explained that the Resolution stated that the Board of Education’s

year-end budget surplus would be appropriated to their Capital Non-Recurring

Account to be used solely for Capital Expenses. He stated the Board of

Education’s current position was that the 1988 Resolution was not in-conflict

with Public Act #24-25 and did not present any problem or risk to the town. He

stated by keeping the 1988 Resolution in-place would require them to wait until

the Annual Audit was completed before the surplus funds could be transferred to

the Capital Non-Recurring Account.

Mayor Allyn, III noted Mr. Hartling’s statement that “the Board of Education has

indicated that they would use those funds in the non-Lapsing Account for Capital

Needs.” Therefore, he suggested, as was done in 1988 that this intention be put in

writing via a Resolution or Policy that the Board of Education’s year-end budget surplus

would be appropriated to their Capital Non-Recurring Account.

Mr. Hartling stated because the Board of Education’s year-end budget surplus would be

a one-time infusion of funding that it should not be used for on-going operational costs

and should be solely used for one-time Capital Expenses. However, he stated it would be

the Board of Education’s decision on how to use their year-end budget surplus which in

according to Public Act #24-45 could be used for educational purposes; and whether

they wanted to implement a Policy, noting that it would be at the Board of Education’s

discretion.

Councilor Ryan stated that he generally agreed that State Law would supersede Local

Law unless there was a carve out. He stated Public Act #24-45 included a carve-out

noting that it stated: “For the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2024; and each fiscal year

thereafter, not withstanding any provisions of the General Statutes, or any Special

Act, Municipal Charter, Home Rule Ordinance, or other Ordinance, a local Board of

Education may deposit into a Non-Lapsing Account….” Therefore, he stated the

Town Charter would take precedence, which provides the Town Council the power to

appropriate any non-budgeted revenues, which again, this would be. Mr. Hartling

stated the second the funds were allocated the to the Board of Education during the

Annual Budget Process, that those funds were a budgeted revenue. He stated that

once the Board of Education has its budget that the Town Council does not get to

pick what the Board of Education spend those funds on.

Councilor Ryan asked Finance Director Matthew Bonin whether the year-end budget

surplus a non-budgeted revenue. Mr. Bonin explained that the movement of the

Board of Education’s Fiscal Year 2024/2025 year-end budget surplus would take

place in the Fiscal Year 2025/2026; because the prior fiscal year budget (fy 24/25)

was closed. Therefore, he stated currently there was no budget to transfer those funds

to. Mr. Hartling stated that Mr. Bonin was correct, in that the Board of Education

does not have a mechanism, to move their year-end surplus, because the funds reside

in the General Fund, noting that the Board of Education does not have access to the

General Fund, noting that this was a process piece; and not a conflict with the State

Law.

Councilor Ryan stated that there appeared to be some interpretation her. However, he

stated that he thought what Mr. Hartling was saying was that the 1988 “Resolution

Creating a Funding Mechanism for Making Annual Appropriations to a Capital

Reserve Fund for the Board of Education” did not need to be cancelled. Mr. Hartling

stated Councilor Ryan’s understanding was100% correct.

Councilor Buhle stated that based on their discussion, there does not seem to be any

harm if they keep the 1988 1988 “Resolution Creating a Funding Mechanism for

Making Annual Appropriations to a Capital Reserve Fund for the Board of

Education”.

Councilor Ryan stated because Public Act #24-45 does not require the Board of

Education to transfer their year-end surplus to a Capital Account, that he would agree

with Mayor Allyn’s suggestion that the Board of Education put in writing their

intention with the adoption of a formal Resolution, that they would transfer/appropriate

their year-end budget surplus to their Capital Non-Recurring Account.

VOTE: 0- 3 Motion Failed

MOTION FAILED

Tim Ryan

RESULT:

MOVER:

Carmen Garcia-Irizarry

SECONDER:

Buhle, Garcia-Irizarry and Ryan

NAY:

MOTION to authorize the Mayor to issue a “Letter of Commitment” to Avalonia Land

Conservancy, Inc., in response to their request of $98,000 from Account

#210-101210-12101-58920 (Open Space Fund) to provide financial support/town share with

the acquisition of 173-175 Stoddard’s Wharf Road, 30.30+/- acres of Open Space; to be

payable to Avalonia Land Conservancy, Inc, Seller or closing law firm at the time of the

closing.

Moved by Councilor Garcia-Irizarry, seconded by Councilor Ryan

Discussion: Avalonia Land Conservancy President Main, attending remotely via

Zoom, noted at a Special Town Meeting held on November 12, 2025 the

townspeople approved to transfer 19 Avery Hill Road Extension, known as the

“Kettle Hole” to Avalona Land Conservancy. He stated acquiring 173-175 Stoddard’s

Wharf Road would be all the land surrounding the Kettle Hole property. He stated

provided some background noting in the 1970’s the State through the use of some

Federal Funding preserved the Glacier Park on Whalehead Road and the Kettle Hole

Property. He noted that since that time they have been working to acquire these

parcels for conservation, stating that it would also tie into the Pfizer Property (154

Stoddards Wharf Road), which the Town assisted Avalona Land Conservancy

acquire last year. He stated all these properties would eventually tie into the

Tri-Town Trail, noting that Groton Utilities has provided funding for parking at the

Pfizer Property, which was across the road from Stoddards Wharf Road. He stated

that Avalonia Land Conservancy applied for and received an Open Space and

Watershed Land Acquisition (OWSA) Grant in the amount of 65% noting that the

requested $98,000 would pay for the balance to acquire these parcels. He thanked

Mayor Allyn, III and the Town Council for their support. He stated through private

donations that Avalonia Land Conservancy would be paying for the necessary

surveys and other documentation.

Mayor Allyn, III noted as Mr. Main mentioned that the acquisition of these parcels

would get them closer to connect to the Tri-Town Trail. He stated that work was

currently being done to continue the connectivity to bring the trails to the Thames

River. He stated the funding level in the Open Space Account had an unencumbered

balance of $476,702.95. He stated with the commitment of $98,000 for the

acquisitions of 173-175 Stoddard’s Wharf Road and 1069 Colonel Ledyard Highway

(Item # 5; see below) would leave a balance of $298,702.95. He stated the Open

Space Fund grows by about $50,000 annually from the conveyance of property. He

noted in accordance with Ordinance #200-009 “Ordinance Providing for the Transfer

of Revenue from the Real Estate Conveyance Tax to the Park and Recreation Capital

and Non-Recurring Expense Fund”:

· Forty percent (40%) of the money received from the Real Estate Conveyance Fees

goes to the Parks and Recreation Capital and Non Recurring Expense Fund;

· Forty percent (40%) goes to the town’s Capital and Non Recurring Funds, to be

used only for capital/infrastructure expenses; and

· Twenty percent (20%) goes to the Capital and Non Recurring Funds for the

Acquisition of Open Space.

VOTE: 2- 0 Approved and so declared

Councilor Ryan left the meeting at 6:02 p.m.

RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL

Carmen Garcia-Irizarry

Tim Ryan

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Buhle and Garcia-Irizarry

Ryan

AYE:

EXCUSED:

MOTION to authorize the Mayor to issue a “Letter of Commitment” to Avalonia Land

Conservancy, Inc., in response to their request of $80,000 from Account

#210-101210-12101-58920 (Open Space Fund) to provide financial support/town share with

the acquisition of 1069 Colonel Ledyard Highway; 20.23 +/- acres of Open Space to be

payable to Avalonia Land Conservancy, Inc, Seller or closing law firm at the time of the

closing.

Moved by Councilor Garcia-Irizarry, seconded by Councilor Buhle

Discussion: Mayor Allyn, III stated that 1069 Colonel Ledyard Highway was located

next to where the Tri-Town Trail begins, noting that it was a great parcel for them to

acquire. He stated it was an active wildlife area, noting that across the street was the

Rose Hill Wildlife Management Area, which was several hundred acres. He stated

beyond this property that it runs down to the Al Clark Brook. He stated with the

approval of this acquisition the Open Space Fund would have an unencumbered

balance of $298,702.95.

Councilor Buhle stated this was an appropriate use of the Open Space Funds.

VOTE:

2- 0 Approved and so declared

RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL

Carmen Garcia-Irizarry

Jessica Buhle

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Buhle and Garcia-Irizarry

AYE: