741 Colonel Ledyard Highway

Ledyard, Connecticut 06339-1551

(860) 464-3203

TOWN OF LEDYARD

Town Council

council@ledyardct.org

Meeting Minutes

Chairman Kevin J.

Dombrowski

Regular Meeting

Wednesday, July 26, 2023

7:00 PM

Town Hall Council Chambers

In-Person: Council Chambers Town Hall Annex

Remote: Information noted below:

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CALL TO ORDER

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

Hall Annex Building.

Chairman Dombrowski welcomed all to the Hybrid Meeting. He 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.

Chairman Kevin Dombrowski

Councilor Bill Saums

Present:

Councilor Andra Ingalls

Councilor Gary Paul

Councilor John Marshall

Councilor Mary K. McGrattan

Councilor S. Naomi Rodriguez

Councilor Tim Ryan

Councilor Whit Irwin

IV.

PRESENTATIONS

None.

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

MINUTES

Mr. Charles Hollis, 6 Autumn Way, Ledyard, appealed to the Town Council to consider

adopting an Ordinance in accordance with Connecticut General State Statute 12-81c to

provide a personal property tax exemption for modified handicap accessible vehicles owned

by a person with disabilities. He stated in researching surrounding towns that the towns of

Groton, Montville, Branford, and Stonington currently provide tax exemptions for

“Modified Handicap Accessible Vehicles, noting that Montville had a similar population and

similar total tax levy to Ledyard. He stated in providing a tax exemption for six vehicles that

met the Modified Handicap Accessible Vehicles” definition the financial impact to

Montville was of $3,400. He stated that he would be purchasing a handicap accessible

vehicle for his wife, noting that the cost was about $90,000; which was the reason he was

requesting the town consider an Ordinance to provide a property tax exemption for modified

handicap accessible vehicles. He provided examples of a Tax Assessor’s Exempt Forms

from other towns that offer this type of tax abatement. He stated that he planned to contact

the Tax Assessor’s Office to find out how many handicapped accessible vehicles Ledyard

had on their tax roll. He stated in surrounding town’s this type of vehicle accounted for

0.04% of the total personal property tax.

Councilor McGrattan asked Mr. Hollis what a modified handicap accessible vehicle looked

like. Mr. Hollis stated several manufacturers made handicap accessible vehicles such as

Chrysler, Toyota, Honda, etc. He stated depending on the needs of the person’s disability that

some vehicles had lifts for wheelchair access, or a ramp that slides out; and that some

vehicles kneel down so that it was lower on one side and a ramp that folded out. He also

noted that the side door on some vehicles open with a remote control. Chairman

Dombrowski noted a vehicle with a handicap sticker would not comply with the State Statute

12-81c.

Mr. Hollis read the governing state statute as follows:

“Sec. 12-81c. Municipal option to exempt certain motor vehicles. The legislative body of

any municipality may, by ordinance, exempt from personal property taxation (1) any

ambulance-type motor vehicle which is used exclusively for the purpose of transporting

any medically incapacitated individual, except any such vehicle used to transport any

such individual for profit, (2) any property owned by a nonprofit ambulance company,

and (3) any motor vehicle owned by a person with disabilities, or owned by the parent or

guardian of such person, which vehicle is equipped for purposes of adapting its use to

the disability of such person, provided the legislative body of the municipality adopts a

definition of such vehicle.”

Chairman Dombrowski thanked Mr. Hollis for bringing the state statute to the Town

Council’s attention and he referred the request to the Finance Committee. Councilor

Saums noted that next Finance Committee would be held on August 16, 2023.

Mr. Hollis questioned the process for the town to implement an Ordinance. Chairman

Dombrowski explained it would take a few months, noting that first the Finance

Committee would review the request and financial impact to the town, as well as look at

other town’s ordinances. He stated should the Finance Committee recommend the town

move forward with the tax exemption program for Modified Handicap Accessible

Vehicles that the proposal would be reviewed by the Administration Committee, and sent

onto a Public Hearing before the Town Council would consider adopting the Ordinance.

VI.

COMMITTEE COMMISSION AND BOARD REPORTS

None

VII. COMMENTS OF TOWN COUNCILORS

Councilor Paul stated the Community Relations Committee hosted a Booth at the July

19, 2023 Farmers’ Market to bring awareness and to provide information regarding

Mental Health. He thanked Councilor Saums and Councilor Rodriguez for participating

in the event. He also thanked the Ledyard Police Department, the Brian Dagel Healing

Hearts Foundation from Niantic, and SERAC who was a new addition to their Booth

this year. He stated SERAC was a non-profit organization located in Norwich that served

41 communities in Eastern Connecticut, he noted that they provide programs and services

to reduce the impact of substance abuse, problem gambling, and mental health challenges.

He stated SERAC Representative Mark Lyons (Suicide Prevention Lead) was at their

Booth, noting that SERAC provided group trainings to help people identify the signs of

suicide and teach people how to help others. Councilor Paul stated that he was going to

try to start at group in Ledyard, and that he would like Mr. Lyon’s to give a brief

presentation at a Town Council Meeting. He stated we pass people who are functioning

with mental health issues, depression, or contemplating suicide at the grocery store, or at

other places. He stated the question was whether you would be able to help that person,

and whether you would know what to do. He stated if you saw someone with a broken

arm you may ask them what happened or how you could help them. However, he stated

if they saw someone with tears in their eyes and desperate, most people would probably

not say anything to the person. He encouraged folks to visit the SERAC website at:

SERACCT.org and take the quiz to challenge yourself to see if you knew some of the

truths and myths and whether you would be interested in taking one of Mr. Lyon’s

trainings. He stated it was a good event for the Farmers Market and for the community.

He thanked everyone who stopped by their Booth and picked up information from their

table.

Councilor Paul continued by noting the “Take It To The Box” Campaign and he

encouraged residents to take their unused prescription medications to the Box located at

the Ledyard Police Department and keep the medications out of the schools and to keep

our community safe. He stated the Police Department was open 7/24 for folks to drop

off their unused prescription medications in the Box, no questions asked. He stated that

he did a Radio Ad for the Take It To The Box campaign, noting the following:

· Last year New London County had 123 drug overdose deaths.

· 90% of those 123 overdose deaths involved an Opioid.

· 12 Ledyard residents had a non-fatal overdose last year.

Councilor Paul stated these statistics were the reasons, as leaders of their community,

the Town Council needed to get the Take It To The Box message out there. He stated we

all have old prescriptions laying around and he encouraged residents to take those

medications to the Box, noting we all have to try to keep our schools and our

community safe. He stated that he was told he did a good job on the Radio Ad, and that

he was waiting for the telephone call for his next career, noting that he had a face for

radio!

Councilor Saums commented on Councilor Paul’s passion on the topic of Mental

Health, Suicide Prevention, and helping folks and for the work he has done on the

Community Relations Committee. He stated Councilor Paul was organized, he was

engaged, he was passionate, and that he talked to people during the full three-hours they

were at the Booth at the Farmers’ Market. He stated the new Town of Ledyard Tent was

beautiful, and he thanked Administrative Assistant Roxanne Maher for her initiative to

get the tent/canopy, noting that it made him proud of his community.

Councilor Rodriguez stated as Councilor Paul noted, she participated at the Brian Dagle

Healing Hearts Foundation Tent at the July 19, 2023 Farmers’ Market. She stated the

residents thanked the Brian Dagle Healing Hearts Foundation for being at the Farmers’

Market and stated that they needed this type of support in their area. She also stated that

teachers, nurses, police officers, and members from the community stopped by their tent

and she noted that many folks said they were dealing with grief or had a suicide in their

family. She stated that she was glad to have the Brian Dagle Healing Hearts Foundation

here in Ledyard.

Councilor McGrattan addressed SERAC of Norwich noting that they have been in

existence for a long time. She stated they were not a new organization, noting that years

ago they were very involved with teenage alcohol drinking. Councilor Paul stated that

SERA has expanded their teenage drinking program and that they focus on working to

get the right connections for training and help. Councilor Saums noted SERAC could be

found on-line at: SERACCT.org

VIII. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION to approve the following:

Public Hearing Minutes of June 28, 2023

Regular Meeting Minutes of June 28, 2023

Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor McGrattan

VOTE: 9 - 0 Approved and so declared

IX.

COMMUNICATIONS

Communications List - July 26, 2023

Chairman Dombrowski stated a Communications List has been provided. He noted there

were no referrals listed; other than the one he made earlier this evening to the Finance

Committee regarding CGS 12-81c pertaining to tax exemptions for modified handicap

accessible vehicles.

REFERALS

XI.

COUNCIL SUB COMMITTEE, LIAISON REPORTS

Administration Committee

Councilor Ingalls stated the Administration Committee met earlier this evening and

addressed one new appointment to the Historic District Commission. She noted this item

would be forwarded to the Town Council for action their August 23, 2023 meeting.

RESULT:

Community Relations Committee

Councilor Paul stated although the Community Relations Committee has not met since

the last Town Council meeting because they hosted a Booth at the July 19, 2023

Farmers’ Market as he mentioned earlier this evening under VI. Councilor Comments.

He stated the Committee’s next meeting will be held on August 16, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. He

stated the Committee looked forward to their next Farmers’ Market Informational Booth

scheduled for August 30, 2023 noting that they would feature Library Services.

RESULT:

Finance Committee

Councilor Saums stated the Finance Committee met on July 19, 2023 and he noted in

addition to the items on tonight’s Agenda that the Committee also discussed the

following: (1) Fiscal Year 2022/2023 Close-Out - Councilor Saums stated Finance

Director Matthew Bonin reported that the Finance Department was working to close-out

the Fiscal Year 2022/2023 Budget and that he did not expect the full amount that was

budgeted from the Mill Rate Stabilization fund would be needed; (2) Schools

Consolidation/Improvement Projects (Middle School and Gallup Hill School) State

Funding- Councilor Saums noted Finance Director Matthew Bonin reported that the

Town was still waiting on the State Department of Administrative Services (DAS)

regarding their request for additional paperwork on the school projects. He noted during

the meeting Mayor Allyn stated that he was aware of two other towns that have been

waiting 3 and 5 years for the State to audit and close out their school projects. Councilor

Saums stated the Mayor commented that the State needed to be more responsive

knowing that towns were using short term loans at higher interest rates to pay for the

projects while the State deliberated; (3) Sandy Hollow Road Guide Rail Replacement -

Councilor Saums stated the Finance Committee discussed the replacement of the guide

rails on Sandy Hollow Road. He noted that Councilor Ingalls questioned whether the

town might be able to apply for grants to cover the cost difference between standard steel

ribbon rails, which were unsightly compared to the existing post and cable guide rails,

since Sandy Hollow Road was designated as a scenic road by the Town; (4) Nip Bottle

Surcharge Revenues received from Public Act No.21-58 “An Act Concerning Solid

Waste Management” - Councilor Saums stated the Finance Committee continued their

discussion regarding ways to use the payments from the solid waste (nip) reimbursement

program. He noted Mayor Allyn, III, reported that Montville had an interesting program

in place using the nip surcharge revenues to encourage non-profit organizations to adopt

roads and collect the nip bottles as well as trash. He stated the Mayor would be

communicating with Mayor McDaniel to obtain more details regarding Montville’s

Program.

RESULT:

Land Use/Planning/Public Works Committee

Councilor Paul stated the LUPPW Committee has not met since the last Town Council meeting.

He stated the Committee would be meeting on Monday, August 7, 2023.

RESULT:

Liaison Reports

Water Pollution Control Authority

Councilor Saums stated the WPCA met on July 25, 2023 and addressed the following: (1) Fire

Hydrant Flushing - Routine flushing of specific hydrants and blow‐offs was being conducted

to lower the water age in both the Ledyard Center and Gales Ferry systems, as part of their

efforts to maintain the lowest Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) levels possible in both

systems; (2) Ledyard Center Water Storage Tank Maintenance - Groton Utilities (GU) was

finally able to make contact with the painter for the top of the Ledyard Center tank top, who

provided an August 14, 2023 start date; (3) Holmberg Water Storage Tank - Groton Utilities

obtained one quote for the Holmberg tank re-inspection work and were trying to obtain two

more quotes; (4) Skid Mounted Sewer Pumps - One of the Smith and Loveless skid mounted

sewer pumps had a failure that was being covered by the manufacturer. However, they would

need to operate on one pump in manual mode until the part could be replaced; (5) WPCA

Policy Manuel - The WPCA continued discussing their Policy Manual and were planning to

vote on the revisions at their next meeting; (6) Baldwin Hill Road - The homeowner on

Baldwin Hill Road whose well has run dry decided to have their well fracked, so there may

be no immediate need to continue consideration of a water main at this time; (7) Cost of

Services Study - For financial due diligence the Department of Public Health (DPH)

required a Cost of Service Study for Ledyard be performed prior to the merger of the two

water systems (Ledyard’s water system and Groton Utilities’ water system). The Study that

was offered by Groton Utilities in March, 2023 would cost approximately $30,000. Whether

a sale of Ledyard’s assets was contemplated or not, the study was expected to inform the

WPCA on their Billing Practices and Rate Structure, as well as their Capital Plan; (8)

Multi-Model Pathway-Trail - The WPCA has not received word on when the work for

multi-modal trail could proceed. However, Councilor Saums stated Public Works

Director/Town Engineer Steve Masalin reported that he believed Southeastern Connecticut

Council of Governments (SECCOG) has finished its approval process, but that the

Department of Transportation (DOT) would have another turn at it from a funding

standpoint, after which they would be ready to solicit bids.

Councilor Marshall questioned whether there was only one home on Baldwin Hill Road that

reported their well was dry. Councilor Saums stated at this time only one homeowner has

reported a dry well. However, he stated the WPCA expected that there may be more because

of the blasting that was being done in the area, which can altern the flow of water into the

wells in the area. He stated the WPCA sent a letter to the Planning & Zoning Commission

regarding their concerns about what could happen with the blasting in the area.

RESULT:

Ledyard Beautification Committee

Councilor Ingalls stated the Beautification Committee met on July 18, 2023 noting that the

Committee has changed their meeting schedule from quartetly to monthly because of the amount

of work they have, and because they were missing out on opportunities. She stated the

Committee also discussed the following: (1) Parade Banner; (2) Ledyard Center Streetlights

Holiday Flags; (3) Farmers Market - The Committee will be hosting Booths on August 16, 2023

and September 20, 2023 and will have rock painting kits available for kids; (4) Gales Ferry

School Gardens - The Committee will be talking to the Garden Club for some guidance and

hope that the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) would also be interested in helping.

Committee to Review Budget Process

Councilor Ryan stated the Committee to Review the Budget Process held its Organizational

Meeting on July 25, 2023. He stated the Committee elected the following Officers: Chairman -

Tim Ryan; Vice-Chairman - Mike Brawner, Recording Secretary - Earl (Ty) Lamb. He stated

the Committee also set their meeting schedule to be the first and third Monday of each month at

6:00 p.m. beginning on August 7, 2023 and ending in October. He stated they would be putting

together some background information from the 2016 Budget Committee and working to obtain

some data based on Committee member comments. He stated that the Committee was

comprised of a great group of residents, and he looked forward to working with them on this

assignment.

Councilor Ingalls stated she attended Committee to Review the Budget Process’ Organizational

Meeting last night. She commented that she was impressed by some of the comments made by

Members who were representing the Community-at-Large, noting that they requested some data

that was astute to ask for. She stated that their questions made her feel good that they had good

people on the Committee.

XII. REPORT OF THE MAYOR

REPORT OF THE MAYOR:

Chairman Dombrowski stated Mayor Allyn, III, was not present; however, he provided

the following written Report, which was also attached to the Agenda on the meeting

portal: (1) Long Pond- Whitford Brook Bridge, Dam and Culvert Replacements - A

Public Information Forum was held on July 11, 2023 in the Council Chambers from 6:00

pm - 8:00 pm. Twenty-eight residents attended, including some Stonington residents. The

Mayor opened the Informational Forum with introductions, Public Works Director/Town

Engineer Steve Masalin with WMC Engineers presented the project that was followed by

a Question & Answer period. It was noted that the town planned to seek Bids this Fall,

2023 for the bridge construction work and for the engineering work for dam and culvert

replacements. The bridge construction was expected to begin in the Spring, 2024;

however, the dam and culvert replacements work was not expected to be completed for

3-4 years; (2) Schools Consolidation/Improvement Projects (Middle School and Gallup

Hill School) - Mayor Allyn attended a meeting at the Ledyard Middle School with

Superintendent of School Jason Hartling and Board of Education Director of Grounds &

Facilities Wayne Donaldson, Project Manager O&G Industries, and Colliers Project

Leaders who was hired to prepare and assemble the entire body of evidence that would

meet the State’s Guidelines, to discuss the issues concerning the gymnasium floor. They

indicated that they could not determine if the nails pre-existed the project or not; because

they sanded as many as 10 coats of polyurethane from the gymnasium maple wood floors;

and once the many years of finish was removed, the nails apparently became more

evident. At the meeting the group unanimously agreed that the best course of action was

for the Town to hire a contractor to countersink the screws, install maple wood plugs over

screw heads, sand flush with floor and polyurethane the areas with plugs. The cost for

this work was anticipated to be minimal; (3) Subbase Change of Command - Mayor

Allyn attended the US Subbase Change of Command. The Groton Subbase would be the

homeport for the new Virginia Class Submarine; adding to the local fleet and population;

(4) Ribbon Cutting - Mayor Allyn attended The Creamery at Sweet Hill” Ribbon Cutting.

Ms. Charlene Rand was doing a nice job with the operation and collected $400 tin her

first fundraiser to support the Ledyard Youth Soccer Club; (5) Disband the Nursing

Board - Mayor Allyn sent letters to Nursing Board members to thank each one

for all their service to the Town and to officially disband the Nursing Board. He

also offered the residents other opportunities to volunteer to serve the town if they wished

to do so; (6) Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments (SECCOG) Solid Waste

Committee - Mayor Allyn Chaired the first SECCOG Solid Waste Committee meeting on

July 18, 2023. After introductions of the members, the Committee discussed the

components of the waste stream, speaker lineup for the coming meetings, various

municipal formats (subscription (Preston), town-wide (Ledyard), Public Works (New

London). The Committee planned to dive into single stream, organics and glass cullet; (7)

Town Hall Space Needs and Reconfigurations - Mayor Allyn was working to streamline

operations and to provide for better customer service by moving Tax Collector and Tax

Assessor into one office area. In addition, to help support the State’s new early voting

requirements which would be implemented in early 2024 the Registrars would be moved

into current location of the Building Office in the lower level of Town Hall which would

provide access to their office from the outside. Also, the Land Use Department (Planning

& Zoning, Inland Wetland and Watercourses, and the Building Office) would be

expanding their office space into the area where the nursing office was located, in the

lower Town Hall.

RESULT:

XIII. OLD BUSINESS

XIV. NEW BUSINESS

Finance Committee

MOTION to transfer up-to $21,027.00 from Police Capital Vehicle Account 21020101-57510 to

Police Capital New Equipment Account 21020101-57300 to allow for the purchase of new

Glock 9mm Handguns for Ledyard Police Department.

Moved by Councilor Saums, seconded by Councilor Ingalls

Discussion: Councilor Saums provided some background explaining over the years that the

Police Department went from using a 9mm handgun to a 45mm handgun and now they are

looking to go back to a 9mm handgun. He stated one of the reasons they were looking to go from

the 45mm back to 9mm handgun was because they now had more female police officers and the

9mm handgun was a better design for a smaller hand. He stated it also included an optic system

commonly referred to as a “red dot” sight and that the ammunition costs would be reduced by

approximately $1,000 per order because the magazine capacity would hold 17 rounds versus the

current 13 rounds that the 45-caliber handgun holds.

Councilor Saums continued by addressing the importance of the “red dot” sight technology for

shooting accuracy and for liability, explaining that it was not a red laser dot like what they see

with a taser. He stated the “red dot” sight was a hologram that was mounted on the handgun. He

stated when the dots were lined up in the hologram the police officer could see where they were

aiming, noting that it did not put a red dot on the target.

Councilor Saums noted the horrific incident that occurred in Bristol last year when two police

officers were shot and killed and another was wounded in responding to an Emergency 911 Call

for a domestic dispute on October 22, 2022. He stated because of the red dot sight technology

the wounded police officer was able to take out the assailant in the dark using the Glock 9mm

because he was trained, because of the better visibility in low light, and because of the red dot

sight technology. He stated an interesting PowerPoint was attached to the Agenda on the

meeting portal that showed what the sights looked like and the difference in low light conditions.

Councilor Saums went on to explain that the Police Department has requested a transfer of

$21,027.00 from their Police Vehicle Capital Account to their Equipment Account to purchase

the new 9mm handguns. He stated the town would be receiving about a $10,000 for the trade-in

of the current handguns, which were about 10-years old. He stated during the Finance

Committee meeting Councilor Ryan questioned how this transfer would impact the Police

Department relative to their vehicle replacement schedule. He stated that Chief Rich explained

that when the Police Department provides traffic services at construction sites, etc., that the

Contractor pays for the Police Officer, and the use of the Police Cruiser, etc., noting that the

funding received for the police cruiser was allocated to their Vehicle Capital Account. He stated

because the Police Department had a lot of traffic/construction work this year with Eversource

replacing the transmission lines, Frontier Communications installing the fiber network

throughout the entire town, tree work, and other projects, that the Police Department received

more revenue than they have typically received in past years. Therefore, the transfer of these

funds and for the next item (#2) on tonight’s agenda would not adversely impact the funding for

the cruiser replacement schedule for Fiscal Year 2023/2024. Councilor Saums noted Chief Rich

was attending tonight’s meeting remotely via zoom should anyone have questions.

Police Chief John Rich explained in accordance with recent trends in law enforcement, including

changes to the standard issue of firearms for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the

Connecticut State Police, that Ledyard’s Firearms Training Staff conducted testing of handguns

with the intention of transitioning to a 9mm platform. He explained that the selected handgun,

the Glock G45 MOS 9mm pistol, would be equipped with an optic system commonly referred to

as a “red dot” sight, as Councilor Saums mentioned. He stated the use of red dot sights has been

shown to improve shooting accuracy at all distances in varying light conditions.

Chief Rich went on to explain the Firearms Training Unit Proposal considered the following

factors:

· Handgun frame size with consideration to varying hand sizes within the department.

· Shooting accuracy and marksmanship at all distances and in varying light conditions (Red

dot vs fixed sights).

· Availability to use one’s peripheral vision while shooting (with both eyes open).

· Reduced Ammunition Cost - 9mm versus 45 caliber

· Additional capacity per magazine (17 rounds vs. 13 rounds)

· Officer performance under stress conditions (Bristol).

· Age of current equipment - typically keep handguns about 8 - 10 years

· Credit for equipment trade in ($10,850.00 or $310 per unit)

· Available State Contract Pricing

Chairman Dombrowski questioned whether funding to purchase the new 9mm handguns was

included in the Capital Improvement Plan. Chief Rich stated that the Police Department included

funding for the purchase of the 9mm handguns in their Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Capital

Improvement Plan. However, he stated during the budget deliberations and preparation process

the funding was not included. Chairman Dombrowski noted the importance to set up a sinking

fund to allocate funding on an annual basis to facilitate a Handgun Replacement Plan to be

prepared for the handguns lifecycle.

VOTE: 9- 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Bill Saums

RESULT:

MOVER:

Andra Ingalls

SECONDER:

Dombrowski, Saums, Ingalls, Paul, Marshall, McGrattan, Rodriguez,

Ryan, and Irwin

AYE:

MOTION to transfer up to $8,863.00 from Police Capital Vehicle Account 21020101-57510 to

Police Capital New Equipment Account 21020101-57300 to allow for the replacement of critical

accident investigation and reconstruction equipment for Ledyard Police Department.

Moved by Councilor Saums, seconded by Councilor Ryan

Discussion: Councilor Saums stated the Ledyard Police Department has an Accident

Investigation/Reconstruction Team that investigates fatal and serious injury crashes in the area.

He stated because the equipment failed the Police Department was requesting $8,863.00 be

transferred from the Police Capital Vehicle Account (#21020101-57510) to Police Capital New

Equipment Account (#21020101-57300) to replace the equipment. He stated during the Finance

Committee’s July 19, 2023 meeting Councilor Ryan and Councilor Ingalls asked good questions

about the equipment, why the equipment needed to be replaced, how the equipment was used,

and how Ledyard participated in the region.

Councilor Saums went on to explain that Police Chief John Rich used the analogy that this

equipment was similar to surveyors tools noting that it had special measuring devices such as

lasers for the reconstruction of fatal crash scenes. He stated all this data was then used to create

a map and a report of the incident. He stated this equipment recently failed in working on an

investigation and they had to use manual procedures to reconstruct the accident. He stated should

there be a fatal accident in an area that Ledyard would send Police Officers to that town to

operate the reconstruction equipment; and in return Ledyard would receive “In-Kind/Mutual

Aid” type of services such as a Canine Unit, etc., from the towns that have things that our town

was not equipped with, noting that the area towns worked together, shared resources, as well as

personnel.

Councilor Rodriguez questioned how long the special accident reconstruction equipment would

last. Chief Rich stated the equipment they had was at least ten-years old. He stated as Councilor

Saums mentioned, their equipment recently failed in working on an investigation and they had

to use some manual procedures to reconstruct the accident, which took them a couple of months

to complete. He stated the new laser equipment had a Bluetooth type of communication that

would talk with the other end of the equipment, which their current equipment did not have.

Therefore, he stated the updated equipment, although it would provide the same type of evidence

collection process, would greatly improve the integration of the digital data, inspections,

maps/overlays of the scene to produce presentations/reports that could be used in the court

process. He stated this equipment could tell them when the brakes went on, the speed of the

vehicle, etc. He stated this $8,863.00 would purchase the critical mapping equipment that would

reproduce the accident scene as it occurred, when the Police Officers were doing the

investigation.

Councilor Saums stated the data collected also goes into a traffic data base, which allowed the

town to monitor where accidents frequently happen, and that the data was also shared with the

state.

VOTE: 9 - 0 Approved and so declared

Councilor Saums thanked Police Chief John Rich for attending tonight’s meeting as well as last

week’s Finance Committee.

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Bill Saums

RESULT:

MOVER:

Tim Ryan

SECONDER:

Dombrowski, Saums, Ingalls, Paul, Marshall, McGrattan, Rodriguez,

Ryan, and Irwin

AYE:

MOTION to appropriate $298,211 to Account #21020401-57300-G0015 (Admin Emerg.

Services - New Equipment - Misc. Grants).

In addition, authorize the expenditure of up to $298,211 for purchase of new radio equipment for

the fire departments. ..end

Moved by Councilor Saums, seconded by Councilor Ingalls

Discussion: Councilor Saums provided some background noting that Administrator of

Emergency Services Steve Holyfield has been diligently submitting Applications for the

Assistance to Firefighter’s Grant from FEMA over the past few years to purchase new radio

equipment for the Fire Departments.

Councilor Saums went on to note at their March 24, 2023 meeting the Town Council authorized

the Mayor to submit a grant through the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program in the

amount of $298,210.52 with a local match of $14,200.52 for the acquisition of new portable and

mobile radios for the Fire Departments. He stated the Town received notification that this year’s

Grant Application was approved. He stated this item would allocate the $298,210.52 grant

funding to the Admin Emerg. Services - New Equipment Account and would also authorize the

purchase of the new radio equipment.

Councilor Saums continued by pointing out that the backup information indicated at that the

Viking-Kenwood Radios have not been accepted for the use on the State’s system. However, he

stated Mr. Holyfield explained at the time of the original quote which was received in January,

2023 that the State had not yet approved the Viking-Kenwood Radios. He stated the State has

since accepted this radio model, noting that Mr. Holyfield received a revised quote from J&S

Radio of Willimantic, which included the State of CT Contract Bid Number, which was a clear

indication that the State has approved their selected radio model to operate on the State’s

Communication System.

Councilor Saums noted that Administrator of Emergency Services Steve Holyfield was attending

tonight’s meeting remotely via Zoom. Mr. Holyfield stated this was the third year he submitted

the Assistance to Firefighter’s Grant from FEMA for the purchase of the portable radios, and

that he was happy it was finally approved. He stated the purchase of these mobile and portable

radios, chargers, carry cases, batteries, etc., would be a big improvement, noting that Ledyard

has been working toward getting onto the State’s Radio Communication System for many years,

stating that former Administrator of Emergency Services Russ Shaw began this process. He

stated this radio system frequency and bandwidth would have the interoperability that would

allow Ledyard to communicate with Groton, Norwich and many other agencies that were making

this change to the State’s communication system.

VOTE: 9- 0 Approved and so declared

Councilor Saums thanked Administrator of Emergency Services Steve Holyfield for attending

tonight’s meeting as well as last week’s Finance Committee.

Chief Rich and Mr. Holyfield left the meeting at 7:38 p.m.

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Bill Saums

RESULT:

MOVER:

Andra Ingalls

SECONDER:

Dombrowski, Saums, Ingalls, Paul, Marshall, McGrattan, Rodriguez,

Ryan, and Irwin

AYE:

MOTION to authorize the Mayor to enter into a Real Estate Listing Agreement for the sale of

the single family house located at 332 Colonel Ledyard Highway.

Moved by Councilor Saums, seconded by Councilor McGrattan

Discussion: Councilor Saums provided some background explaining in 2006 the 96.52 + acres

Founders Preserve property was subdivided into a 36-lot subdivision with a new road and

approximately forty new drainage structures. He stated because the road was never constructed

none of the building lots were sold. However, he stated the property was zoned R-60 and tax bills

were generated for the 36 approved building lots. He continued to explain because of unpaid

taxes the town foreclosed on the property around 2016. He stated at a Special Town Meeting

held on October 28, 2020 the Townspeople voted to transfer/convey the parcel to Avalonia Land

Conservancy. However, he stated with the new boundary lines the Developer made for the

planned Subdivision, the property was essentially landlocked, and Avalonia Land Conservancy

has not been able access the property; therefore, the property transfer has not yet been

completed. He stated the Town has since corrected (or restored) the boundary lines to their

original lines. He stated with correcting the boundary lines, the street address of the former

Founders Preserve has become 334 Colonel Ledyard Highway and the adjacent property with the

house on it has reverted back to its original address of 332 Colonel Ledyard Highway. He noted

Avalonia Land Conservancy paid for the site plan and survey.

Councilor Saums went on to explain that the Town acquired the house at 332 Colonel Ledyard

Highway thru a foreclosure in June 2017. He explained because there was a title issue regarding

the boundary line the Town did not have a clear title at that time; and has been leasing the

house for about $15,600 in rent per year, until they could get the title issue resolved, at which

time the town planned to dispose of/sell the house. He stated the site plan and survey has been

completed, and the boundary lines have been corrected, so that the detached garage was now

within the property boundary lines of 332 Colonel Ledyard Highway, and therefore, the property

was ready to be sold.

Councilor Saums continued by noting the smaller parcel to the north of the Founders Preserve

property was part of 334 Colonel Ledyard Highway. He stated the same Developer owned this

house; which the Town also acquired thru a foreclosure. He stated because of the condition of

the house it was condemned and the town has obtained the demolition permit and quotes to

demolish the structure. He stated the Mayor has been reporting on these properties at previous

Town Council Meetings, (January 25, 2023; March 8, 2023; April 12, 2023; April 26, 2023;

May 24, 2023; June 14, 2023).

Councilor Saums stated the house located at 332 Colonel Ledyard Highway has been cleaned

out. He stated a Market Analysis for the Valuation of the property has been conducted; and the

offering price would be 255,000. He stated selling 332 Colonel Ledyard Highway would allow

the Town to recoup most of the unpaid tax dollars and the blight lien fees ($277,000) associated

with the properties, while also removing the Town as a Landlord, and getting the home (332

Colonel Ledyard Highway) back on the tax rolls.

Councilor Saums concluded by noting at the July 19, 2023 Finance Committee meeting there

was a question regarding how the town selected the real estate broker to handle the town’s

business for the sale of 332 Colonel Ledyard Highway. He noted that Mayor Allyn explained for

the previous sale of a commercial piece of property that he selected a commercial practitioner,

who was not in-town. However, he stated for residential properties, the Mayor has been using

different residential practitioners (realtors) who reside in town. He stated when the town has

business that the Mayor has been trying to spread it around to people who were town residents.

Chairman Dombrowski suggested if an 8-24 Review for the sale of 332 Colonel Ledyard

Highway has not yet been done that they ask Planning & Zoning Commission to conduct the

required 8-24 Review before the town received an offer from an interested party, as not to delay

the sale of the property. He noted once the Town received an offer to purchase the property, that

in accordance with CGS 7-163e a Public Hearing would be held; and in accordance with the

Chapter VII; Section 9 of the Town Charter a Special Town Meeting would be held at which the

Townspeople would be asked to vote on the sale of 332 Colonel Ledyard Highway.

VOTE: 9- 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Bill Saums

RESULT:

MOVER:

Mary K. McGrattan

SECONDER:

Dombrowski, Saums, Ingalls, Paul, Marshall, McGrattan, Rodriguez,

Ryan, and Irwin

AYE:

General Business

Discuss Work Session Items as time permits.

None.

XV. ADJOURNMENT

Councilor Rodriguez, moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilor Irwin

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, Kevin J. Dombrowski, 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 July 26, 2023.

________________________________________

Kevin J. Dombrowski, Chairman

DISCLAIMER: