741 Colonel Ledyard Highway

Ledyard, Connecticut 06339

TOWN OF LEDYARD

Finance Committee

Meeting Minutes

Chairman Gary St. Vil

Regular Meeting

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

5:00 PM

Town Hall Annex Building - Hybrid

Format

WORKING DRAFT

In -Person: Council Chambers, Town Hall Annex Building

Remote Participation: Information Noted Below:

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CALL TO ORDER

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

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

Councilor Saccone welcomed all to the Hybrid Meeting. He stated for the Town

Council Finance Committee and members of the Public who were participating via

video conference that the remote meeting information was available on the Agenda

that was posted on the Town’s Website - Granicus-Legistar Meeting Portal.

II.

ROLL CALL

Tony Saccone

Tim Ryan

Present:

Jessica Buhle

Excused:

In addition, the following were present:

Fred Allyn, IIMI ayor

Matthew Bonin Finance Director

Jeff Erhart Gales Ferry Fire Chief District #2

Jason HartlingSchool Superintendent

Roxanne Maher Administrative Assistant

MOTION to amend the Agenda to change New Business Item # 3 from a MOTION to a only

a Discussion as noted below:

(3)

Discussion regarding MOTION to recommend the Town Council the appropriation of

the receipt of additional Impact Aid Revenues. 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).

Moved by Councilor Ryan, seconded by Councilor Saccone

Discussion: None.

VOTE:2- 0 Approved and so declared

A motion was made by Ryan, seconded by Saccone, that this be Approved and so declared. The

motion carried by the following vote:

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Tim Ryan

RESULT:

MOVER:

Tony Saccone

SECONDER:

Saccone and Ryan

Buhle

AYE:

EXCUSED:

III.

IV.

RESIDENTS & PROPERTY OWNERS COMMENTS

None.

PRESENTATIONS / INFORMATIONAL ITEMS

None

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION to approve the Finance Committee Regular Meeting Minutes of September 17,

2025.

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Tim Ryan

RESULT:

MOVER:

Tony Saccone

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 LawsonAllenClifton LLP began work on the Annual Audit,

noting last week they were on-sit at the Town Hall. However, he stated a lot of the work they do

can now be done remotely, noting they have access to the Munis Financial System. He stated

attached to tonight’s Agenda on the Meeting Portal were the “Pre-Audit Final Reports”

explaining these Reports were done after the Finance Department has completed their Year-End

Adjustments. He stated the Annual Audit was now being handled by the Auditors..

CONTINUE

RESULT:

Financial Reports - Fiscal Year 2025-2026

VII.

Finance Director Matthew Bonin note the following:

· Pre-Audit Finals - Mr. Bonin stated attached to tonight’s Agenda on the Meeting Portal

were the “Pre-Audit Final Reports” explaining these Reports were done after the

Finance Department completed their Year-End Adjustments. He stated the Annual Audit

work was being handled by the Auditors.

· Projected Surplus Report - Mr. Bonin stated that he provided the Finance

Committee with hard copies this evening of the Projected Surplus for Fiscal Year

Ending June 30, 2025. He stated that this Report was based on the Year-to-Date

Budget verses Actuals Revenues Report and Expenditures Report. He noted the

following projections:

ü General Government Projected Surplus - Just under a $200,000 Surplus for the

General Government- Mr. Bonin stated that this number included not having to

use the Mil Rate Stabilization Fund, as had been budgeted.

Councilor Saccone questioned the dollar amount that they had planned to use from

the Mil Rate Stabilization Fund. Mr. Bonin stated that it was about $1 million.

o Agri-Science (Vo-Ag) $250,636 Revenue Overage. Mr. Bonin explained that

the Projected Surplus Report already takes into consideration the transfer of

the $250,636 to the Board of Education Capital Account; as approved by the

Town Council at their September 10, 2025 meeting.

o Impact Aid $157,133 Revenue Overage - Mr. Bonin stated the Projected

Surplus does not take into account moving the Impact Aid Revenue overage,

should there be action to do that. .

ü Board of Education Projected Operating Budget Surplus - Just under $213,000.

Mr. Bonin stated in accordance with “A Resolution Creating a Funding

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

Board of Education” - Adopted on September 28, 1988; that these funds would

be transferred to the Board of Education’s Capital Account. Mr. Bonin explained

that this transfer of surplus funds; which would come off of the Fund Balance,

would take place in the next fiscal year, because it has to done after the Annual

Audit has been completed.

Councilor Ryan questioned whether the net results would mean that the Fund Balance

for start of the current fiscal year (25/26) would be slightly less than the previous

year. Mr. Bonin stated that Councilor Rayn’s was correct, noting with transferring the

Board of Education’s $213,000 Operating Surplus from Fund Balance to their Capital

Account, that the Fund Balance for the current fiscal year would be less than the prior

year.

Councilor Saccone with the transfer of the Board of Education’s Operating Budget

Surplus of $213,000 that they would receive a total of $463,000 in their Capital

Account. Mr. Bonin stated that once the Annual Audit was completed that the Board

of Education would have received $250,636 (Agri-Science (Vo-AG Revenue

Overage) plus the $213,000 (BOE Operating Surplus). He stated although he did not

expect the surplus number would change, however, he stated that they had to wait

until the Annual Audit has been completed.

Councilor Ryan stated post Audit, if the numbers hold, that thew town’s

Undesignated Fund Balance would be equivalent to the previous year. Mr. Bonin

stated correct, explaining that there was a town goal to increase their Undesignated

Fund Balance. Mayor Allyn, III noted that the “Town of Ledyard Fund Balance

Reserve Policy” that the Town Council adopted on May 23, 2028 set a goal to increase

the Town’s Undesignated Fund Balance. He stated that they were trying to meet that

goal in some small incremental manner each year that they can.

CONTINUE

RESULT:

VIII. OLD BUSINESS

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

Settlement Payments.

Mayor Allyn, III, stated that the Town would continue to receive funding from the

from the Sackler Family Trust - Purdue Pharma Distributor Opioid Settlement

through 2034; noting that recently the Town received notification that three or four

manufactures would be settling. He suggested as the Finance Committee prepares its

“Transition Memo” to the incoming Committee that they suggest putting this item on

their Agenda twice a year consider the distribution of funds to non-profits that were

doing the work in their community for Opioid Prevention and Recovery which

included a variety of different programs such as

· Ledyard Prevention Coalition

· Community Speaks Out

· Connecticut Recovery Support .

· The DARE Program in Ledyard Public Schools

Councilor Saccone questioned whether other towns were doing anything different

with the Settlement Funding. Mayor Allyn stated he has seen towns do a number of

things with the Settlement Funding noting as an example the Groton heavily invested

in Community Speaks Out. However, he stated that he believed that Ledyard was

doing a good job to level spreading the funding amongst other Organizations, similar

to how they used their American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding. He noted that

the Organizations that Ledyard has provided funding to range from helping

individuals with addition, to rehousing people, to helping them get some workforce

experience and productive, and the working with the kids. He stated that hopefully

the Community Relations Committee for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion to seek out

other partners for the future.

Finance Director Matthew Bonin stated that some towns have not allocated any of the

Opioid Settlement Funding they have received. Mayor Allyn stated as of last year that

95% of Connecticut towns had not yet allocated even $1 of the funding.

Councilor Saccone questioned whether there has been any discussion at the State

level to change how the Opioid Settlement Funding could be used. Mayor Allyn

explained that the Opioid Settlement Funding was Federal Settlement with the

Opioid Manufactures and Distributors, noting that it was a global legal settlement. He

stated the scope of the use of the funding was limited, however, Ledyard was

meeting the scope of the use of the funds.

CONTINUE

RESULT:

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.

Mayor Allyn stated all of the American Rescue Act Funding (ARPA) has been

allocated to the various approved projects. He explained the Department Heads were

working to get their projects completed. He stated other than a final accounting that

there was not going to much for the incoming Finance Committee to do regarding

this Agenda item.

Finance Director Matthew Bonin noted the Ledyard Center Sewer Line Extension

Project and he explained for Phase II of the Sewer Line Extension Project the town

originally used Undesignated Funds. However, he stated that they were able to restore

some of those funds based on the final costs of Phase I, and Phase III. He stated all of

the ARPA Funding has been allocated; and that there should not be any additional

actions required.

Councilor Ryan requested clarification regarding the distribution of the ARPA

Funding. Mayor Allyn stated the ARPA Funding was distributed directly from the US

Federal Treasury.

CONTINUE

RESULT:

Continued discussion regarding upcoming potential Grant Opportunities.

Mayor Allyn, III, stated today Public Works Director/Town Engineer Steve Masalin

had a Meeting with Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments (SCCOG) to

discuss a new Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program (LoTCIP) Grant

Application to seek funding to replace one of the bridges located on Lantern Hill

Road that was not rated high. He stated this was a Pre-Application to see if the

Project was eligible for the LoTCIP Funding. He stated if today’s meeting was

favorable that it would save the Town about $1.2 million. He stated Southeastern

Connecticut Council of Governments (SCCOG) has $17 million available for

eligible LoTCIP Projects. He stated that Ledyard already knows that the Lantern Hill

Road Bridge fits their criteria.

Councilor Saccone questioned whether the Mayor reminded Mr. Masalin the weight

limit of the Bridge to be 42-tons based the weight of Fire Apparatus. Mayor Allyn

stated that he did convey Councilor Saccone’s recommendation for both of the

Lantern Hill Road Bridges and that he asked that Bridges be engineered to bear

50-tons.

Councilor Ryan questioned whether the $1.2 million would pay for Ledyard’s share

of the cost for the Bridge. Mayor Allyn stated the $1.2 million would pay for the total

cost of the Lantern Hill Road Bridge, explaining that this Bridge on Lantern Hill

Road was solely Ledyard’s responsibility. He stated the second Bridge on Lantern

Hill Road, which was currently out of service was the bridge that was shared between

Stonington and Ledyard. .He stated this Bridge was being paid by the State Local

Bridge Program.

CONTINUE

RESULT:

Discussion scheduling Regular Quarterly Joint Finance Committee Meetings between the

Town Council and Board of Education.

The Finance Committee agreed with upcoming November 4, 2025 General Election

to recommend the incoming Finance Committee Members of the Town Council and

Board of Education continue their Joint Finance Committee meetings; and to

schedule a Joint Meeting shortly after the two groups were seated sometime in early

December, 2025.

CONTINUE

RESULT:

Any Old Business proper to come before the Committee.

NEW BUSINESS

IX.

MOTION to authorize the submission of a grant request to the State of Connecticut for the

removal of foam and cleaning of the foam system for Gales Ferry Engine 21.

MOTION to recommend the Town Council authorize the submission of a grant

request to the State of Connecticut in the amount of $7,425 for the removal of foam

and cleaning of the foam system for Gales Ferry Engine 21.

Discussion: Gales Ferry Fire Chief Jeff Erhart provided some background stating that

the existing legacy Firefighting Foam has been found to have Per- and

Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in the product. He stated that changes to State

Laws and awareness in industry have resulted in new ‘’Clean Foams’’ becoming the

industry standard. He explained that the that the State of Connecticut has allocated

funding to support Departments in the state including the payment of hazardous

waste contractors to remove the old foam and clean the foam systems in the apparatus

in order to prevent firefighter and environmental exposure to PFAS.

Chief Erhart continued by stating that Gales Ferry Engine 21 has the Firefighting

Foam; however, he stated that they cannot use it; and they cannot dump the

Firefighting Foam on the ground. He stated that he obtained a quote from one of the

few Vendor that do this type of work, Croft, and that he also he confirmed with Jeff

Morrissette, State Fire Administrator, that the quote and level of work was consistent

with what he has been seeing with regard to what other Fire Companies have done.

He stated that this was a reimbursement grant noting that the town would have to pay

for the removal of the Firefighting Foam up front and then submit a Form and the

invoices to the State to receive the reimbursement from the State.

Chief Erhart stated in speaking with Ledyard Center Fire Chief Jon Mann that

District #1 also had a Fire Engine with the Firefighting Foam. Therefore, he noted

that the Ledyard Center Fire Department - District #1 would most likely be seeking

authorization to submit the Grant Application for the removal of foam and cleaning

of the foam system in their truck.

Councilor Saccone stated that it was his understanding that the State Grant Funding

was running out quickly at the beginning of the fiscal year, and he questioned

whether Chair Erhart found this to be the case. Chief Erhart stated when he talked

with State Fire Administrator, Jeff Morrissette about the availability of the funding

that he did not mention whether the funding goes quickly. However, he stated that

Mr. Morrissette noted that the State Legislation was only going to Municipalities and

was not necessarily going to independent Fire Companies or Tax Districts. However,

he stated during their discussion, that he explained to Mr. Morrissette that the Gales

Ferry Fire Company was a town related function, and that they were a town agency

and that Mr. Morrissette understood.

Councilor Saccone stated when they put the Firefighting Foam in Engine 21 that it

cost about $300; noting that it was now going to cost $7,425 to get rid of it. Chief

Erhart explained that once the Firefighting Foam was removed and the foam tank and

water tank was cleaned that they would put the approved “New Foam” into the

Engine 21. He stated that the foam mixed with the water for petroleum based fires,

such as care fires, etc.

Finance Director Matthew Bonin stated at the $7,425 they would be required to seek

three quotes in accordance with Ordinance #200-001 (rev 1) “An Ordinance for

Purchasing”. Mr. Erhart stated that he would work to seek additional quotes, noting

that he would ask the State if they had a list of Vendors that due this type of

hazardous mitigation work.

Mr. Bonin explained that tonight’s request was only to apply for the Grant, noting

that once the grant funding has been received they would have to appropriate the

funds.

Mayor Allyn stated that this grant program was a reimbursement, noting that the

town would have to pay up-front to have the engine cleaned and then the State would

reimburse the town.

Councilor Ryan stated that this Motion was only to authorize the town to submit the

Grant Application, noting that it does not authorize them to spend the money. He

questioned how critical was this request. Chief Erhart stated it was not time sensitive.

The Finance Committee agreed to remove the following language “in the amount of

$7,425” as a “Friendly Amendment” from the Motion.

The Finance Committee asked Chief Erhart to come back when he has obtained the

required three quotes, at which time they would authorize the funding to have the

work done. Mayor Allyn suggested Chief Erhart try to obtain the three quotes for the

Finance Committee’s November 5, 2025 meeting, explaining that because of the

Holidays the Town Council typically only meets once during the months of

November and December.

VOTE:2- 0 Approved and so declared

RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL

Tim Ryan

RESULT:

MOVER:

Tony Saccone

SECONDER:

MOTION to amend the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Standing Bid Waiver List to include the

following:

Freightliner/Alliance in East Hartford.

MOTION to recommend the Town Council amend the Fiscal Year 2025/2026

Standing Bid Waiver List to include the following Vendors:

Groton Utilities for Emergency Repairs to the Ledyard Water Infrastructure

· Freightliner/Alliance in East Hartford.

Moved by Councilor Ryan, seconded by Councilor Saccone

Discussion:

Groton Utilities for Emergency Repairs to the Ledyard Water Infrastructure

Mayor Allyn explained that the Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) contracts

with Groton Utilities for water supply and delivery as well as maintenance of the

water infrastructure. He stated when a watermain breaks that Groton Utilities repairs

the waterline. He stated because Groton Utilities was a subcontractor for the Town of

Ledyard, however, repairing a watermain could be sizable work. He stated that he

talked with WPCA Chairman Ed Lynch about what constitutes an “Emergency

Repair” noting that if it was a watermain break that obviously was an Emergency

Repair. However, he stated if there were other things that might be biddable work

that they needed to be prepared for that. He stated that WPCA Chairman Ed Lynch

was going to try to define what constituted an Emergency. He stated that Groton

Utilities was their water provider, noting that they had the equipment, manpower,

capability, and therefore, it probably made sense for them to do a good amount of that

work. He stated that Groton Utilities did a major watermain valve repair on a 16”

watermain at the corner of Lorenze Parkway and Route 117 in the middle of the

night; explaining that this was something that they did not have time to solicit bids

for. However, he stated if they were going to add Groton Utilities to the Standing Bid

Waiver List that they needed to define what constituted an “Emergency”

Administrative Assistant Roxane Maher noted on September 25, 2019 the Town

Council updated the July 13, 1994 “Procedures/Policy For Emergency Expenditures

And Appropriations”.

Councilor Ryan noted the Town already had a Policy in place to justify an

“Emergency”. He stated in reviewing WPCA Chairman Ed Lynch’s September 24,

2025 email that his justification to include Groton Utilities on the Standing Bid

Waiver List rests on the fact that Groton Utilities does their own due diligence.

Finance Director Matthew Bonin stated that Ledyard does not know what Groton

Utilities due diligence is.

Councilor Saccone stated that Groton Utilities can repair a fire hydrant within hours

if not days. He noted when he worked at the Groton Subbase they would wait six-

months before they even started to dig to repair a fire hydrant. He stated that Groton

Utilities has always provided great service for the Fire Departments. Mayor Allyn

stated that Ledyard had a fire hydrant that was poorly place on the Multi-Use

Pathway at the intersection r of Gallup Hill Road and Colonel Ledyard Highway, and

he noted that Groton Utilities was meticulous in moving the fire hydrant across the

street to Colonel Ledyard Highway and placed it behind the guiderail. He stated

Groton Utilities was good at what they do, noting it was their business. Councilor

Saccone agreed with Mayor Allyn, noting that they had to be diligent with taxpayers

money.

Councilor Ryan stated unless they had more information about Groton Utilities bid

process, at this point he did not agree with adding Groton Utilities the Fiscal Year

2025/2026 Standing Bid Waiver List.

Freightliner/Alliance in East Hartford.

Gales Ferry Fire Chief Jeff Erhart stated that Bull Dog has been the Gales Ferry Fire

Company’s main service provider for many years and that they were on the Standing

Bid Waiver List. However, he stated that they have also used Freightliner/Alliance in

the past for routine maintenance and repairs to their fire apparatus; along with a few

other service providers. He stated that Freightliner/Alliance has been doing a lot of

repair work on their aging tanker truck and other aging pieces of apparatus.

Therefore, they have intimate knowledge of the complexity of a couple of the Fire

Company’s apparatus which was a benefit to help troubleshoot problems quicker and

more efficient. He stated the Public Works also used Freightliner/Alliance noting that

he thought at one time they were on the Standing Bid Waiver List. He went on to

explain that because of their aging fleet that their preventative maintenance, routine

checks, and annual inspections cost on average a few thousand dollars. However, he

stated with the addition of any repairs the cost often exceeds the $5,000 limit in

Ordinance #200-001 “Purchasing Ordinance” which would then require the Gales

Ferry Fire Company to seek a minimum of three quotes. He stated although he as

asking that Freightliner/Alliance be added to the Standing Bid Waiver List that he

was trying to leverage the best work for the least amount of money. He stated because

Bull Dog was on the Standing Bid Waiver List that they were limited to Bull Dog. He

stated because the number of mechanics for fire service vehicles was limited that if

he had a larger list of vendors that he could better leverage their options for

maintenance and repair work.

Councilor Ryan stated by having multiple vendors on the Standing Bid Waiver List

for the same purpose would basically put them back to Square One which was

soliciting competitive bids However, he stated for the Fire Departments and for the

Police Department for instances such as emergency repairs; that it would be good to

have the ability to contract with them quicker.

Councilor Ryan continued by noting Chief Erhart’s October 2, 2025 email in which

he mentioned that the Gales Ferry Tanker was at Freightliner/Alliance in East

Hartford; and that the bills and repairs were going to fall somewhere between $6,000

to $10,000. Councilor Ryan questioned the original cost estimate. Chief Erhart stated

for a number of years they were plagued by a Pump Pressure issue. He stated that

they had a number of agencies look at the Pump Pressure issue explaining that

sometimes they diagnosed the issue and sometimes they could not. He stated that

they still have not been able to figure out the problem factor, noting that he thought it

was an engineering issue in the system. He stated the last thing they have not replaced

was the Pump Controller System, which was an electronic box, noting that device

cost was just under $5,000. He stated while the work was underway there were a

number of other things that needed to be addressed such as the two air brake drums

that needed to be replaced because they would not pass the Department of

Transportation (DOT) Inspection. Therefore, he stated that the costs exceeded the

$5,000 threshold which would require them to solicit three quotes, noting that the

Tanker has been sitting at Freightliner/Alliance.

Councilor Ryan stated the rationale noted in the request to add Freightliner/Alliance

the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Standing Bid Waiver List was because they were familiar

with the Gales Ferry Fire Company’s Freightliner Trucks. Chief Erhart stated that

Freightliner/Alliance and do on the spot emergency repairs.

Councilor Saccone stated that the Gales Ferry Fire Company had used

Freightliner/Alliance in years past. However, he stated the reason they stopped using

them was because they were in Hartford and they would charge $90.00 an hour to

have a driver bring the trucks to Hartford. Chief Erhart stated that the solution to save

the cost for the driver, that a member from the Gales Ferry Fire Company drives the

Truck to Hartford and then picks it up when the work has been completed.

The Finance Committee agreed to remove Groton Utilities for Emergency Repairs to

the Ledyard Water Infrastructure as a “Friendly Amendment”.

Councilor Ryan stated once the Finance Committee received additional information

from the Water Pollution Control Authority, as noted by the Finance Director, that

they could consider adding Groton Utilities to the Fiscal Yer 2025/2026 Standing Bid

Waiver List.

VOTE:

2- 0 Approved and so declared

RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL

Tim Ryan

RESULT:

MOVER:

Tony Saccone

SECONDER:

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.

MOTION to appropriate $8,000 to Account #20810201-50000-24207 (Cemetery Committee

- Grant Expense) to recognize the grant awarded by the State of Connecticut Office of Policy

and Management entitled “Neglected Cemetery Account Grant Program”.

RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL

Tim Ryan

RESULT:

MOVER:

Tony Saccone

SECONDER:

Any New Business proper to come before the Committee

ADJOURNMENT

Councilor Ryan moved the meeting be adjourned, seconded by Councilor Saccone

VOTE:

2 - 0 Approved and so declared, the meeting was adjourned at 6:02 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Anthony Saccone, Sr.

Committee Chairman

Finance

Committee

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

Town.