741 Colonel Ledyard Highway

Ledyard, Connecticut 06339-1551

(860) 464-3203

TOWN OF LEDYARD

Town Council

council@ledyardct.org

Meeting Minutes

Chairman S. Naomi

Rodriguez

Regular Meeting

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

7:00 PM

Town Hall Council Chambers

In-Person: Council Chambers Town Hall Annex

Remote: Information noted below:

Join Zoom Meeting from your Computer, Smart Phone or Tablet:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81844224986?pwd=YHsswcsqJVgxC9rCnUjbi4fN137b9s.1

Audio Only: Telephone: +1 646 558 8656; Meeting ID: 818 4422 4986; Passcode: 408498

CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Rodriguez called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Council Chambers, Town

Hall Annex Building.

Chairman Rodriguez welcomed all to the Hybrid Meeting. She stated for the members of

the Town Council and 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.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

ROLL CALL

III.

Councilor April Brunelle

Councilor Jessica Buhle

Councilor Kevin Dombrowski

Councilor Carmen Garcia-Irizarry

Councilor Gary Paul

Present:

Chairman S. Naomi Rodriguez

Councilor Tim Ryan

Councilor Tony Saccone

Councilor Gary St. Vil

IV.

PRESENTATIONS

None.

RESIDENT & PROPERTY OWNERS (COMMENTS LIMITED TO THREE (3)

MINUTES

None.

VI.

COMMITTEE COMMISSION AND BOARD REPORTS

Mr. Charles Duzy, 4 Harvard Terrace, Gales Ferry, Housing Authority Chairman, stated

he would like to make the following Statement so that it is part of the Record:

The Ledyard Housing Authority owns and operates the property at Kings Corner Manor,

the Town of Ledyard's Elderly & Disabled Affordable Housing. Chartered under state

law, the Ledyard Housing Authority is an autonomous, public organization that was

overseen by a 5-member Board of Commissioners. The Ledyard Housing Authority is a

quasi-independent agency, not a municipal government agency. It does not receive

subsidized funding for housing operations, nor is it owned or operated by the State of

Connecticut. As in the case of all housing authorities, the Ledyard Housing Authority is

directed by the Board of Commissioners, which are appointed by the Ledyard Town

Council. Property management and daily operations of Kings Corner Manor is the

responsibility of the Executive Director, Colleen Lauer, at the direction and discretion of

Ledyard Housing Authority. It is at this direction by the Ledyard Housing Authority, that

the Executive Director is enforcing the Non-Smoking Policy which went into effect

August 1, 2023. The residents of Kings Corner Manor were notified of the

Non-Smoking Policy on March 17, 2023. At this time, there will be no Addendum to the

Lease regarding the Non-Smoking Policy.

VII. COMMENTS OF TOWN COUNCILORS

Councilor Brunelle noted that January 27th is International Holocaust Remembrance

Day.

Chairman Rodriguez announced the following changes to the Liaison Assignments:: :

ü Permanent Municipal Building Committee - Councilor Brunelle

üZoning Board of Appeals - Councilor Buhle

VIII. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION to approve the Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes of January 10, 2024

Moved by Councilor Dombrowski, seconded by Councilor Saccone

VOTE:

9 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

RESULT:

IX.

COMMUNICATIONS

Communications List - January 24, 2024

Chairman Rodriguez stated a Communications List has been provided on the meeting portal

for tonight’s meeting and she noted there were referrals listed.

REFERALS

XI.

COUNCIL SUB COMMITTEE, LIAISON REPORTS

Administration Committee

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated the Administration Committee has not met since the last

Town Council meeting. She noted that their next meeting would be held on February 14,

2024.

RESULT:

Community Relations Committee

Councilor Brunelle stated the Community Relations Committee met on January 17, 2024

and discussed the following: (1) Black History Month Activities - Contest - Councilor

Brunelle noted that the Committee discussed several ideas and preparations for the

upcoming Black History Month Essay and Poster Contest which would be open from

February 1 - 23, 2023; (2) Communication with residents - Councilor Brunelle stated today

she posted a video on the Town’s website on how to sign up to receive notifications through

the “Notify Me” tab.

To sign up to receive email notifications of upcoming meetings/events/and other notices; visit the

town’s website www.ledyardct.org <http://www.ledyardct.org and click on the Notify Me tab and

complete the form.

RESULT:

Finance Committee

Councilor Saccone stated the Finance Committee met on January 17, 2024 and have a few

items on tonight’s Agenda.

RESULT:

Land Use/Planning/Public Works Committee

Councilor St. Vil stated the LUPPW Committee has not met since the last Town Council

meeting.

RESULT:

Public Safety Report

Councilor Saccone stated the Public Safety Commission met on January 22, 2024 and

addressed the following: (1) Set their 2024 Meeting Schedule; (2) Elected Officers as

follows: Chairman - Administrator of Emergency Services Steve Holyfield,

Vice-Chairman Ledyard Center Fire Chief Jon Mann.

Gales Ferry Fire Department

Councilor Saccone stated ever since the town received notification that the Gales Ferry

Fire Company’s Grant Application was approved, the Fire Department has been working

through a lot of red tape for the State to release the grant funding. He noted that the Grant

Funding would be used to replace their roof and purchase some new firefighting

equipment.

Parks, Recreation & Senior Citizens Commission Fiscal Year 2023/2024

Councilor Buhle stated she attended the Parks, Recreation & Senior Citizens

Commission’s January 18, 2024 meeting noting that they addressed the following: (1)

Approved their Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Budget; (2) The increase in all of their Program

Enrollment post Covid-19 Pandemic. The Commission noted that they were experiencing

space issues.

Water Pollution Control Authority

Councilor Dombrowski stated the WPCA met on January 23, 2024 and addressed the

following: (1) Election of Officers as follows: Chairman Ed Lynch, Vice-Chairman

Sharon Wadecki; Recording Secretary Tony Capon; (2) Cashman Property Development

- Route 12, Gales Ferry- Councilor Dombrowski stated the WPCA discussed the

potential impacts to the water lines in the area if the Blasting Permits were approved; (3)

Budget Consultant - Councilor Dombrowski stated he reviewed the WPCA’s proposed

Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Budget that was attached to their Agenda Packet, noting that was

reduced by $56,000 from the current year’s budget. However, he stated the Consultant

who was hired reported that the WPCA Budget was insolvent and that they would need

to increase their rates by 100%. Councilor Dombrowski stated the WPCA discussed

options such as increasing the budget by 50% over a two-year period; but that they would

have to borrow money from the Municipality to cover the loss. Councilor Dombrowski

went on to state because of financial issues in 2010 the Town Council dissolved the

WPCA, and the Town Council was designated to serve as the WPCA in an effort to

remedy financial issues that they were having at that time, noting that it was a very

different circumstances than the financial issue that was being identified today. He stated

it seemed as though the WPCA was operating well, doing all the right things with

implementing increases each year; and now all of a sudden a Consultant has come in and

says that the WPCA was insolvent. He noted that he did not know what budget numbers

the Consultant was using to make their assessment.

Mayor Allyn, III, questioned whether the WPCA Budget Study was done by Groton

Utilities. Councilor Dombrowski stated during their Budget Study discussion the WPCA

noted the water cost for the average household was about $30.78 per month; but that

$21.00 of that amount was the fixed fee. He stated he did not know if the Budget Study

was a Groton Utilities funded initiative or where the WPCA Budget numbers that were

used in the Consultant’s study came from. Mayor Allyn explained that the WPCA was

similar to the Housing Authority in that they were a quasi-independent agency, noting

that the Town Council’s authority was to appoint members to the WPCA. He stated the

WPCA had its own budget; however, inaccordance with Section 4 of Ordinance #400-

001 "An Ordinance Establishing a Water Pollution Control Authority” the Town

Council was required to approve the WPCA’s Annual Water Operations Budget and their

water rates. He stated it was shocking News to hear that the Budget Consultant reported

the WPCA was insolvent because they have been implementing 5% -7% rate increases

each year. He thanked Councilor Dombrowski for his report.

Board of Education

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated the Board of Education met on January 16, 2024 and

discussed the following: (1) Board Member Laurel Wiers resigned to pursue other

professional opportunities. Mr. Brandon Graber was appointed by the Board to fill Ms.

Wiers vacancy; (2) Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Board of Education Budget $38,054,073 -

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry noted that Superintendent Jason Hartling presented the

proposed Board of Education Budget which requested an increase of $2,145,705 or

5.98% over the current year’s budget. She stated that Mr. Hartling provided the following

narrative: Ledyard’s Per Pupil Expenditure was $16,871 compared to Waterford’s Per

Pupil Expenditure of $21,325; Ledyard’s Students to Adult Ratio was 7.5 students per

adult; the next highest in the area was East Lyme who had 6.0 students per adult. Key

Changes were as follows: Savings from 3 Teachers Retiring; Increase in Substitute

Teacher Wages; Multi-Tier system to support a Sports Coordinator; Compliance with the

Right to Read Statewide Professional Learning Series would cost $100,000 for the first

year curriculum; Elementary Teacher Staffing; Middle School would eventually have a

Family Consumer Science Class to help alleviate class size challenges; Middle School

Social Worker - The Board currently has a social worker through the Elementary and

Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSR) Grant and want to make the position

permanent; Eliminate the Over the River Choice Transportation which would save

approximately $75,000, noting that New London said they could send a bus to pick up

Ledyard Students.

Library Commission

10.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated the Library Commission met on January 22, 2024 and

addressed the following: (1) Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Budget - Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated

Library Director Jennifer Smith reported that the expense for the photocopiers, which had

been paid out of the Mayor’s budget last year, would be added to the library’s operating

budget. This budget operating line would increase to $21,262.00; (2) Library Commission

Funding - Councilor Garcia-Irizarry noted that the Library Commission was self-funded

through Donations, Investment Income, and by funds raised by the “Friends of the Library”.

She stated these revenues were used to support the Adult and Children Programs, noting that

these expenses were not paid by taxpayer dollars. She stated things such as Museum Passes

were paid for by the Friends of the Library, the new Outdoor Sign at the Gales Ferry Library

was paid for by the Library Commission; (3) Libraries Online (LION) Consortium -

Councilor Garcia-Irizary stated the LION Membership cost about $50,000 per year and has

increased about 3% per year. She noted that LION has been cutting back on a number of the

benefits that they previously provided, and she noted as an example, that LION used to

provide computers to the Library, and now they do not. Therefore, she stated the Library

Commission was comparing LION with two other Consortiums, noting that the Library

Connection Inc. (LCI) was about $25,000 less than LION. She stated should the Library

decide to change to a less expensive Consortium that they planned to use the savings to

expand programs, purchase more books, etc.

Mayor Allyn, III, addressed the Library’s copier costs, explaining that the Bill Library had

previously owned their copier, which was about ten-years old, and was no longer producing

quality copies and it was requiring maintenance. Therefore, he stated when Town Hall was

updating their copier leases last year, they thought that it was a good time to put a new copier

in the Bill Library. He stated because they were already into the budget year that he included

the Bill Library copier in his budget for the first year of the lease. He stated the use of the

new copier was going well, noting that the fees the Library charged patrons to make copies

was being used to offset the cost of copier lease. He stated the Library Commission, and the

residents were happy with the new copier.

REPORT OF THE MAYOR:

XII.

Mayor Allyn, III, reported on the following: (1) Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Budget

Preparations - Mayor Allyn stated that he and Finance Director Matthew Bonin met with

Department Heads on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of this week to review their

proposed budget requests. He stated because there was a lot of work that needed to be

done before he delivered his proposed budget to the Town Council on March 4, 2024

(first Monday in March in accordance with Chapter VII; Section of the Town Charter),

that he could not provide any budget projections at this time. However, he noted that the

Board of Education Budget included an increase of $2,145,705 or 5.98% over the current

year’s budget; and that Healthcare Costs were projected to increase by 10%; or $610,000.

He explained their Healthcare Consultants have indicated that the costs could increase by

6% - 10%; therefore, he stated the Town typically assumes the higher increase and then if

it comes in less that was good, noting that they did not want to be on the other side of the

equation by not budgeting an adequate amount for those costs. He stated moving away

from the ClearGov format and going back to the Excel format was progressing nicely, in

terms of readability for the residents; (2) Ledyard Interchurch Emergency Assistance Fund

(LICEAF) January 11, 2024 Meeting - Mayor Allyn explained that LICEAF provided

grants to assist residents who have fallen into the most challenging situations with

expenses such as rent and mortgage payments. He stated he attended their January

meeting noting that LICEAF approved one grant. He stated that he appreciated LICEAF

and what that group of churches do for Ledyard residents; (3) Southeastern Connecticut

Housing Alliance (SCHA) January 12, 2024 meeting - Mayor Allyn explained the SCHA

Board of Directors was a collective group in New London County that were working on

the Housing crisis, specifically Affordable Housing. He stated SCHA was planning a Bus

Tour in April or May to visit 4 - 5 Different Affordable Housing Projects in Southeastern

Connecticut. He stated the Bus Tour was open to Town Leaders as well as Councilor

Members to see what Affordable Housing looked like. He stated he would let the Town

Council know the date as soon as it becomes available should anyone like to attend; (4)

Discount Wine and Liquor Ribbon Cutting - January 13, 2024 - Mayor Allyn stated

Discount Wine and Liquor was located on Route 12 in Gales Ferry. He stated he has heard

from

residents and has seen social media posts/comments regarding all the liquor stores that the

town permits. He noted Connecticut General State Statutes 30-14a was the law that

permits liquor stores in every municipality in the State. He stated in accordance with CGS

30-14a municipalities were allowed 1 liquor store per 2,500 residents. He stated based on

Ledyard’s population they were allowed to have six liquor stores and that they have six

liquor stores; noting that there were three stores on each side of town; (5) Southeastern

Connecticut Council of Governments (SCCOG) Solid Waste Subcommittee January 16,

2024 Meeting - Mayor Allyn stated that he Chaired the meeting noting that they prepared

a List of Requests for the upcoming Legislative Session which would start on February 7,

2024. He stated the Committee would be meeting with fourteen State Legislators

(Representative and Senators) next week to discuss their Agenda which included the

following: (a) Legal Notices - Again this year the Municipalities were requesting the State

allow Legal Notices to be digitized opposed to having to publish them in the Newspaper

at a cost that can range from $400 - $1,000 or more; (b) Special Education - Request the

State increase Funding for Special Education and allow the funding to follow the student.

Mayor Allyn explained if a student moved from one school district to another school

district during the course of a school year that those funds should move with the student;

(February 7, 2024). Mayor Allyn noted that last year the state authorized additional

funding for heating assistance. However, he stated the Legislature did not approve the

funding until May, which was too late to help folks during the winter months; (d)

Uniform Relocation Assistance Act - Mayor Allyn explained this Act required towns to

be involved if someone could not stay in their home, whether it was for health or safety

purposes. The Act calls for the town to put the people up in housing that was similar to

what they were coming out of. He stated in today’s market that finding short-term rental

housing that was similar to what they had was impossible. Therefore, the Municipalities

were asking the State for Relief from the Uniform Relocation Assistance Act; (e)

Municipal Shared Services - Mayor Allyn stated they were asking the Office of

Management and Policy (OPM) and Department of Administration (DAS) to work with

the Municipalities to allow more Shared Services for greater efficiency; (f) Solid Waste -

Mayor Allyn stated the Solid Waste Committee, which was another Committee that he

Chaired, was asking for things such as Waste to Energy Plants. He explained with the

July, 2022 closing of the East Harford MIRA Facility (Materials Innovation and

Recycling Authority) that 30 Municipalities had to find another facility, noting that all the

Incinerator Plants were currently at capacity. However, he stated the Bristol Incinerator

Plant, which was operated by Covanta, and the Lisbon Incinerator Plant, which was

operated by Wheelabrator, both have a plan to increase to a second burner at each of their

facilities. However, he stated the State Department of Environment Energy Protection

(DEEP) was required to approve their plans for a second burner, which was a slow

process. Therefore, he stated that SCCOG was asking the State DEEP to allow both plans

to move forward in a reasonably fast manner. He stated that currently the State of

Connecticut was trucking 800,000 - 900,000 tons of garbage out of the State every year

and putting it in landfills in Seneca Falls New York, Eastern Pennsylvania, and Ohio. He

stated this was not a reasonable solution, commenting that he was stunned that in the year

2024 they were doing this, and it was okay. He stated we need to do better; (g) Planning &

Zoning Commission Training Reporting - Mayor Allyn stated that currently the Mayor or

First Selectman was required to sign-off that Commissioners have completed their

training. He stated that SCCOG was asking the State Legislature to consider changing this

to allow the Commission Chairman to sign-off stating that the Commissioners have

completed their training; (h) Public Safety - Street Take-Overs and Reckless Driving -

Mayor Allyn stated SCCOG was asking that the $250 maximum fine for these infractions

be increased; (i) State Department of Transportation (DOT) Roadside Mowing - Mayor

Allyn stated that SCCOG was asking that the DOT increase roadside mowing to more

than one-time per year; (6) Bond Counsel January 16, 2024 Meeting - Mayor Allyn stated

he along with Finance Director Matthew Bonin met with Bond Counsel to discuss their

next round of Bond Anticipation Notes (BAN) - Short Term Borrowing (one-year

commitments) for the Schools Consolidation/Improvement Projects (Middle School &

Gallup Hill School); (7) Norwich Chamber Legislative Breakfast January 23, 2024 -

Mayor Allyn stated about 120 people attended the Breakfast, at which they again talked

about Solid Waste along with the issues and opportunities with the Legislators who were

present; (8) Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region (seCTer) Board of Directors

January 24, 2024 Meeting - Mayor Allyn stated seCTer offers low interest loans (seCTer

Rise Grants; and seCTer Boost Loans). He stated seCTer had about $5 million available

to lend, at a 4.5% interest rate for a $500,000 loan, noting for a commercial loan that this

was a very low interest rate. He stated currently Ledyard had one business in town that has

utilized the seCTer Loan opportunity. He stated the top five towns in Southeastern

Connecticut who have taken advantage of the seCTer Loans were Stonington, New

London, Norwich, Groton, and East Lyme. He stated if they have an opportunity to help

businesses that they need to connect them with seCTer. He stated that he would be

working with the Economic Development Commission (EDC) to make sure they get this

information out to businesses; (9) Small Resource Forum - February 14, 2024 - Mayor

Allyn stated that Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region (seCTer) would be hosting

a Small Resource Forum; and that he would share the invitation with the Town Council.

He suggested they also share the invitation with any business that may benefit by

attending the Forum; (10) Tri-Town Trail (Bluff Point to Preston Plains Park) January 24,

2024 Meeting - Mayor Allyn stated the Tri-Town Trail was currently 3.4 miles out and

back, noting that the Tri-Town Trail Association was looking to expand the Trail. He

stated they were working with property owners to advance the trail, explaining they have

purchased easements from property owners for the Trail to move through.

Questions to the Mayor - None.

RESULT:

XIII. OLD BUSINESS

XIV. NEW BUSINESS

Administration Committee

MOTION to appoint Mr. Ethan Foltz (D) 894 Colonel Ledyard Highway, Ledyard, to the

Ledyard Farmers’ Market Committee to complete a three (3) year term ending May 9, 2027;

filling a vacancy left by Ms. Brunelle.

Moved by Councilor Garcia-Irizarry, seconded by Councilor Brunelle

Discussion: None.

VOTE:

9 - 0 Approved and so declared

Carmen Garcia-Irizarry

MOVER:

April Brunelle

SECONDER:

MOTION to appoint the following Temporary Members to the Permanent Municipal Building

Committee (PMBC) to serve as Representatives for Board of Education Projects in accordance

with Ordinance #100-015 “An Ordinance Establishing A Permanent Municipal Building

Committee for the Town of Ledyard:

Ms. Kate DiPalma-Herb (D) 20 August Meadow Drive, Ledyard

Ms. Jennifer Reguin (D) 6 Mill Cove Road, Gales Ferry

Moved by Councilor Brunelle, seconded by Councilor Dombrowski

Discussion: None.

VOTE:

9 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

April Brunelle

RESULT:

MOVER:

Kevin Dombrowski

SECONDER:

Brunelle, Buhle, Dombrowski, Garcia-Irizarry, Paul, Rodriguez, Ryan,

Saccone, and St. Vil

AYE:

Finance Committee

Meeting went into Recess

MOTION to authorize the Mayor to submit a 2024 High Risk Rural Road Speed Enforcement

Grant Application in the amount of up-to $60,000 funded through the Federal Highway Safety

Administration (FHWA).

Moved by Councilor Saccone, seconded by Councilor Buhle

Discussion: Councilor Saccone explained in a letter dated January 10, 2024 that the Police

Department received notification that they were eligible to apply for a 2024 High Risk Rural

Road Speed Enforcement Grant. He stated that this opportunity would use Connecticut's grant

monies that were being funded through the Federal Highway Safety Administration (FHWA) to

reduce the amount of speed related fatalities and injuries on Connecticut's High Risk Rural

Roads. He stated the Grant funding would cover the following expenses:

· Purchase of 4 speed measuring devices not to exceed a maximum of $4,900 per

device.

· Overtime wages and overtime fringe benefits.

Police Chief John Rich explained although eligible Municipalities could receive a total of

$60,000 through this 100% Reimbursable Grant Program, that Ledyard would be seeking

$15,572.94. He noted because a Statement of Interest must be submitted to the State by January

31, 2024; that Sergeant Pudvah has been working to prepare the required documentation. He

stated the Enforcement Period would be from March 1, 2024 - May 31, 2024.

Chief Rich noted that Ledyard would be operating one radar location; and that their expenses

would be as follows:

· Staffing would include thirty shifts - each shift would be four hours during the Enforcement

Period (March 1, 2024 - May 31, 2024);

· Purchase of one speed measuring devices.

Councilor Dombrowski questioned whether any local matching funds would be required.

Councilor Saccone noted that no local matching funds would be required.

VOTE:

9 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Tony Saccone

RESULT:

MOVER:

Jessica Buhle

SECONDER:

Brunelle, Buhle, Dombrowski, Garcia-Irizarry, Paul, Rodriguez, Ryan,

Saccone, and St. Vil

AYE:

MOTION to transfer funding to Account 21020103-57300 (Dispatch - New Equipment) for the

purchase of communications equipment to accommodate emergency radio communications for

Ledyard Police Department, Ledyard Fire Company, and Gales Ferry Fire Company on the

Connecticut Land Mobile Radio Network (CLMRN) as follows:

Up to $14,513.00 from Account 21020103-57300 G0014 (Dispatch - New Equipment -

AARPA Funds); and

Up to $30,000.00 from Account 21020401-57300 (AES - New Equipment).

Moved by Councilor Buhle, seconded by Councilor Ryan

Discussion: Administrator of Emergency Services Steve Holyfield provided some background

stating that the town received $298,210.52 FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant to purchase

mobile radios and associated equipment. He noted at their July 26, 2023 meeting the Town

Council appropriated the Grant Funding to Account #21020401-57300-G0015 (Admin Emerg

Services - New Equipment - Misc. Grants).

Administrator of Emergency Services Steve Holyfield went on to state at their January 22, 2024

Public Safety Commission Meeting that Chief Rich reported that all of the Police Cruisers had a

mobile radio for the Police Officers to talk to Dispatch and other Agencies, noting that this

portion of the Project was well underway. He stated in working through the process they found

that they needed some infrastructure related items which included installing a Combiner on the

Radio Towers. He stated this would allow them to take all of the operational frequencies from

the Fire Department’s and Police Department’s existing equipment, along with some new

equipment, to seamlessly work with the Connecticut Land Mobile Radio Network (CLMRN)

system.

Mr. Holyfield continued by noting that he and Police Chief John Rich identified a combination

of some remaining grant funding that was transferred into the Emergency Services Capital

Account, some remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding ($30,000); and annual

budget funding ($14,513), to provide enough funding for the Departments to obtain the

necessary mobile radio equipment for all the town’s first responders to communicate on the State

Radio System. He explained that both Fire Chiefs agreed to put forward the $30,000 American

Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding that was remaining from the $75,000 that was allocated to

replace two Dispatch Communications Stations at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). He

stated that they were looking for the Town Council’s permission to proceed with the use of the

identified funds to facilitate the migration of all primary emergency radio communications to the

Connecticut Land Mobile Radio Network (CLMRN) to provide interoperability and interpretive

communication among all the police departments and fire departments in the local area, noting

that many of the towns were joining the State Radio System.

Councilor Ryan stated during their January 17, 2024 Finance Committee meeting that he noted

that the reallocation of the $30,000 that was remaining from the $75,000 that was allocated to

replace two Dispatch Communications Stations was being handled differently than how they

have been handling the ARPA Funding. He explained that typically the unspent ARPA funds

would go back into the General ARPA Projects Budget to be redistributed to other Projects in

the priority order. He stated the Finance Committee discussed the process regarding the

reallocation of the $30,000 for the Connecticut Land Mobile Radio Network (CLMRN; and he

noted there was a general agreement among the Finance Committee that this was a valid use and

timely use of the funding, given that the quotes for the equipment were only valid until the

beginning of February, 2024. He stated had they waited to redistribute the funds that the town

would have endured a price increase.

Councilor Buhle stated during the Finance Committee’s January 17, 2024 meeting that

Administrator of Emergency Services Steve Holyfield talked about how the reallocation of the

ARPA funds would impact the Dispatch Center. Therefore, she stated it made sense to reallocate

the remaining Dispatch Center ARPA funds to purchase the equipment that would allow the

town to use the Connecticut Land Mobile Radio Network (CLMRN) system.

Councilor St. Vil questioned whether there was a plan to identify the source of the additional

$15,000. Mr. Holyfield stated the additional $15,000 was already in the Police Department’s

Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), noting that they had a Capital Account for Radio Equipment.

Councilor Saccone stated with the Connecticut Land Mobile Radio Network (CLMRN) system

that they could use a walkie-talkie in Ledyard to talk to someone in Hartford, noting that the

transmission was crystal clear. He stated the following surrounding communities were already

using the State system: Stonington, Groton Town, Groton City, Montville, Norwich, the

Connecticut State Police, and Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). He

noted that Waterford, New London, and East Lyme were also submitting petitions to join the

State System. Director of Emergency Services Jim Mann noted that he agreed with Councilor

Saccone’s comments, noting that using a handheld radio that he was able to communicate with

Hartford from the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) which had six-feet of concrete over the

top of it.

Councilor Dombrowski stated the town has been taking steps and working toward joining the

Connecticut Land Mobile Radio Network (CLMRN) system for many years. He noted that the

town applied several times before their Grant Application to purchase the necessary equipment

to join the Radio Network was finally approved. He noted with the allocation of the funding

requested this evening and the purchase of the equipment that the town would be able to fully

implement the communication system throughout the town. Mr. Holyfield stated by Ledyard

securing the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant in the amount of $298,210.52, which

required a 5% local match ($14,200.52) the town was able to purchase the new portable and

mobile radios for the Fire Departments, while providing a significant saving to their residents.

VOTE:

9 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Jessica Buhle

RESULT:

MOVER:

Tim Ryan

SECONDER:

Brunelle, Buhle, Dombrowski, Garcia-Irizarry, Paul, Rodriguez, Ryan,

Saccone, and St. Vil

AYE:

MOTION to authorize the expenditure of up to $30,000 from Account #0210-21020401-54325

(AES - CNR -Fire Apparatus) for the purchase of a used Fire Command Vehicle and to grant a

bid waiver for the same amount for the purchase.

Moved by Councilor Saccone, seconded by Councilor Buhle

Discussion: Councilor Saccone stated the Ledyard Center Fire Chief’s Command Vehicle has

reached the end of its useful life. He stated this action would authorize the town to spend up-to

$30,000 purchase a new Command Vehicle for the Ledyard Center Fire Chief.

VOTE:

9 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Tony Saccone

RESULT:

MOVER:

Jessica Buhle

SECONDER:

Brunelle, Buhle, Dombrowski, Garcia-Irizarry, Paul, Rodriguez, Ryan,

Saccone, and St. Vil

AYE:

MOTION to approve a revised Appendix A- Qualifying Income Schedule in accordance with

Ordinance #200-005 (rev. 1) “An Ordinance to Provide Property Tax Relief for Certain

Homeowners Age Sixty-Five or Over or Permanently and Totally Disabled (rev.1)” for the filing

period of February 1, 2024 - May 15, 2024.

Moved by Councilor Buhle, seconded by Councilor Saccone

Discussion: Mayor Allyn, III, stated in addition to the State, the town provided tax relief to

qualifying homeowners thru the adoption of Ordinance #200-005 (rev. 1) “An Ordinance to

Provide Property Tax Relief for Certain Homeowners Age Sixty-Five or Over or Permanently

and Totally Disabled. He explained that the provisions of the Ordinance required the town to

annually update the “Qualifying Income Schedule” to be consistent with the State’s Qualifying

Income, which was based on the United States Social Security Administration Program.

Mayor Allyn went on to note that in accordance with Ordinance #200-005 (rev.1) Paragraph 3

“Qualifications”; paragraph (e) "Persons qualified for tax credit or deferment benefits under this

Ordinance are those whose maximum income during the calendar year preceding the year in

which application is made for the tax credit does not exceed the Qualifying Income Schedule, as

hereby incorporated in the ordinance as though fully set forth herein. A copy of the approved

Qualifying Income Schedule shall be filed with the Town Clerk when established and when

amended. The income guidelines provided in the Qualifying Income Schedule (Appendix A)

shall be adjusted to reflect a cost-of-living increase issued by the United States Social Security

Administration, pending the approval of the Town Council prior to the first of January of the

year of application.” He stated because the “Qualifying Income Schedule” was an Appendix to

the Ordinance, and they were not changing the Ordinance itself, that a public hearing was not

required. He stated annually updating the “Qualifying Income Schedule” for the town’s Tax

Relief program was an administrative action. VOTE: 9 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Jessica Buhle

RESULT:

MOVER:

Tony Saccone

SECONDER:

Brunelle, Buhle, Dombrowski, Garcia-Irizarry, Paul, Rodriguez, Ryan,

Saccone, and St. Vil

AYE:

General Items

MOTION to accept and refer the Committee to Review the Budget Process Final Report dated

October 31, 2023 to the Finance Committee.

In addition, disband the Committee to Review the Budget Process.

Moved by Councilor Buhle, seconded by Councilor Ryan

Discussion: Chairman Rodriguez stated at the January 10, 2024 Town Council Meeting

Councilor Ryan, who served as the Chairman of the Committee to Review the Budget Process,

presented the Committee’s Final Report dated October 31, 2023. She stated the Report was a

comprehensive document which identified a number of areas for the town to consider for

improvement. She thanked and acknowledged Committee Chairman Ryan and all Committee

Members for their hard work as follows:

ü Former Town Council Chairman Kevin Dombrowski

ü Former Town Council Finance Committee Chairman Bill Saums

ü Councilor Tim Ryan, Committee Chairman

ü Former Board of Education Member Michael Brawner, Committee Vice Chairman

ü Community Member at Large Minna DeGaetano

ü Terry Jones Community Member at Large

ü Board of Education Member Joanne Kelley

ü Community Member at Large Earl (Ty) Lamb, Recording Secretary

ü Community Member at Large Beth Ribe

Ex-Officio Members:

ü Mayor Fred Allyn, III

ü Superintendent of Schools Jason Hartling

VOTEA:9pp-r0oved and so declared

VOTE:

9 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Jessica Buhle

RESULT:

MOVER:

Tim Ryan

SECONDER:

Brunelle, Buhle, Dombrowski, Garcia-Irizarry, Paul, Rodriguez, Ryan,

Saccone, and St. Vil

AYE:

XV. ADJOURNMENT

Councilor Buhle moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilor Paul

VOTE:

9- 0 Approved and so declared. The meeting adjourned at 7:44 p.m.

_______________________________

Transcribed by Roxanne M. Maher

Administrative Assistant to the Town Council

I, S. Naomi Rodriguez, Chairman of the Ledyard Town Council,

hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true and

correct copy of the minutes of the Regular Town Council

Meeting held on January 24, 2024.

___________________________

S. Naomi Rodriguez, Chairman

DISCLAIMER:

Although we try to be timely and accurate these are not official records of the Town.

The Town Council's Official Agenda and final Minutes will be on file in the Town Clerk's

Office.