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, January 25, 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 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

Proclamation Registrar Hazel Gorman

Recognition of Registrar of Voters Ms. Hazel Gorman for her 42 years of service to the Town of

Ledyard.

Mayor Allyn, III, stated there were only a couple of Ledyard employees that served the town for

forty years. However, he stated Ms. Gorman took that to a different level noting that she served

as an Elected Official for forty-two years. He stated Ms. Gorman served tirelessly as the

Democratic Registrar and took it thru times that have dramatically changed since 1980. He

stated Ms. Gorman stated she started out with a typewriter, ruler and a pencil.

Mayor Allyn stated it was incredibly important to honor and salute Ms. Gorman for her

dedicated 42 years of service to the town and he presented her with the following Proclamation:

BE IT KNOWN THE

MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD

Decrees the following Proclamation

WHEREAS, HAZEL GORMAN has served as the Democratic registrar of voters in the

Town of Ledyard for 42 years. HAZEL GORMAN has worked with six town clerks during

her tenure in the Registrar’s office.

WHEREAS, HAZEL GORMAN began her career in Roxbury, MA as an educator retiring

from that career after teaching for 12 years in Salem, CT.

WHEREAS, Hazel Gorman was appointed Deputy Democratic registrar after joining the

Ledyard Democratic Town Committee and became the Democratic Registrar in 1980.

WHEREAS, HAZEL GORMAN has been instrumental in successfully implementing

numerous technological and administrative improvements during her time as the Democratic

Registrar. When Ms. Gorman began her career in the Registrar’s office, typewriters, pencils,

pens and rulers were the tools available to accomplish the job. The pandemic added new

challenges to the role of a Registrar and HAZEL GORMAN once again took those changes

in stride and ensured a successful election process.

WHEREAS, HAZEL GORMAN recognizes the importance and value of the democratic

system we have in the United States of America. As quoted in The Day Newspaper Ms.

Gorman leaves her role with one wish: “We need to reflect on the fact that we are so lucky to

live in the Unites States of America, and one of the best privileges we have --- and it truly is

a privilege --- is to vote, and to exercise the opportunity whenever we have a chance to do

it.”

NOW, THEREFORE, as Mayor of the Town of Ledyard, I hereby tender this Proclamation

to thank HAZEL GORMAN for her many contributions and years of service to the voters in

the Town of Ledyard, CT. I extend my personal best wishes and those of our citizens to her

in her retirement.

WITNESS, my hand and the seal of the Town of Ledyard this 25th day of January, in the

Year Two Thousand and Twenty-three. Mayor Fred Allyn, III

Ms. Gorman stated that she was humbled and honored to be recognized this evening, noting

that it has truly been her honor to serve the Town of Ledyard for all of these years. She stated

it has been a joy, and that she has seen so much change within the job during that period of

time, with the new age of technology.

State Senator Cathy Osten stated that there were several citations issued in recognition of Ms.

Gorman for her many years of service to her community and that she and Representative Ryan

would only read two this evening. She stated everyone in the General Assembly Citation

recognized that registrars were the beacon of our democracy. She stated anyone who stays with

that kind of work for forty-two years was amazing. She deferred to Representative Ryan to

present the first Citation from the State of Connecticut.

State Representative Kevin Ryan presented Ms. Gorman with a Citation from the State of

Connecticut Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz as follows:

“By Her Excellency Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz - Official Statement

Official Statement: I take great pleasure in offering my sincerest congratulations to Hazel

Gorman in recognition of her selfless service as Ledyard’s Registrar of Voters. Your decades of

dedication to your town and state have been a critical part of your town government and played

an important role our state’s democratic process. Best Wishes, for a productive, happy and

healthy retirement, Signed the third day of January, 2023, Lieutenant Governor Susan

Bysiewicz”

State Senator Katy Osten presented Ms. Gorman with a State of Connecticut Citation from

Governor Ned Lamont as follows:

“By his Excellency Ned Lamont Governor - Official Statement

Whereas: Hazel M. Gorman has served the Town of Ledyard with distinction as

Democratic Registrar of Voters for the past forty-two years;

Whereas: Hazel has overseen and facilitated successful elections in the Town of Ledyard

for over four decades, despite growing challenges and changes in technologies;

Whereas: Hazel had dedicated her life to public service as a public-school educator and

as a Democratic Registrar;

Whereas: Hazel’s commitment to excellence has supported democracy and facilitated

countless citizens exercising their right to vote;

Now, Therefore, I Ned Lamont Governor of the State of Connecticut, in recognition of her

forty-two years of devoted service; and in celebration of her retirement do hereby

officially proclaim Wednesday, January 25, 2023 to be Hazel M. Gorman Day in the State

of Connecticut.”

Ms. Gorman introduced the new Democratic Registrar Dianna Mann. She went on to state that

she would be remiss if she did not thank all of the present and past Town Councilors and Mayors

who have supported the Registrars Office over the many years. She thanked everyone and

wished them success in the years to come.

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

MINUTES

Ms. Gianina Diaz, 1546 Route 12, Gales Ferry, attending remotely, stated that she was

following up on her January 22 & 24, 2023 e-mail to the Town Council and the Mayor

regarding Black History Month that was discussed and then cancelled. She noted many of

our neighboring towns were planning events, such as speakers or flag raising. She stated she

was interested in understanding what the town was planning to do to acknowledge the

diversity of all of our brown and black residents. She stated representation matters and that

there was not a lot of it.

Chairman Dombrowski responded to Ms. Diaz, stating that although he was aware that the

Community Relations Committee was working on something, that there was no planned

event that he was aware of.

Councilor Saums stated Councilor Paul and Councilor Rodriguez have been working on

something all year. Ms. Diaz questioned whether they were working on the Poster event that

was held last year?

Councilor Rodriguez stated the Black History Month Essay and Poster Contest Program has

been on the Community Relations Committee Agenda for the past year; and that they have

discussed the program in detail. She stated last year they had four judges with three being

people of color. She stated they had numerous diverse cultural background winners. She

stated the Students were very proud, as they should be for winning the contest, and she noted

the essays and posters were remarkable. She stated she was proud to be part of the event and

even prouder of being part of the event again this year. She stated representation does matter

and; Black History is American History, and that she would not minimize what Ledyard was

doing. She stated the Essay and Poster Contest Program was important to the students,

noting that this year they were including all students, whether they were home schooled,

attend a private school; or tech-magnet school, noting that the Program was open to all

students in Ledyard. Ms. Diaz questioned whether they were including some of their brown,

black or indigenous teachers or paraprofessionals or someone from the Mashantucket Tribal

Nation. Councilor Rodriguez stated one of the judges last year and would be returning again

this year was a Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council Member. Ms. Diaz questioned who the

judges would be this year. Councilor Rodriguez stated the judges this year were as follows: a

Board of Education Member, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council Member Crystal

Whipple, Ledyard Police Department Sergeant McKinney, and herself.

Ms. Diaz noted Mayor Allyn’s response to her e-mail was that he would not fly any flag

below the American Flag or the Connecticut State Flag. She questioned what the problem

was with flying a flag for Black History Month. Chairman Dombrowski explained the

problem was that precedence has been set by other towns that had flown flags for special

interest groups and when the town denied flying a flag for other interest groups that they

ended up in court and lost the case because they flew flags for other interest groups. Ms.

Diaz stated the School previously flew a Pride Flag for “Rainbow Day”. Chairman

Dombrowski stated they did not have any control over what the Board of Education does.

Councilor Irwin called a Point of Order, noting that this portion of the meeting was to

receive citizens comments, not to debate. Chairman Dombrowski stated at this point he was

going to end this back-and-forth discussion, noting that during the meeting the Town

Council takes comments; however, they do not debate during the Citizens Comments portion

of the meeting. Ms. Diaz thanked the Town Council for their time.

VI.

COMMITTEE COMMISSION AND BOARD REPORTS

None.

VII. COMMENTS OF TOWN COUNCILORS

Councilor Saums recognized Ledyard Resident John Clark and his wife Donna, for raising

over $425,000 for Alzheimer’s Research by riding his bicycle all over the country. He noted

last year there were some signs around town for the John Clark Alzheimer’s Ride in the

spring. He stated Mr. Clark was well-known within the Alzheimer’s Community and that he

was an amazing person.

Councilor Rodriguez stated there would be a change in the venue for the February 19, 2023

Law Enforcement Awards and Appreciation Day for the Ledyard Police Department that she

mentioned at the Town Council’s January 11, 2023 meeting. She stated the invitations were

forthcoming soon.

VIII. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION to approve the Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes of January 11, 2023

Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor Marshall

VOTE: 9 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Andra Ingalls

RESULT:

MOVER:

John Marshall

SECONDER:

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

Ryan, and Irwin

AYE:

IX.

COMMUNICATIONS

Communications List - January 25, 2023

Chairman Dombrowski stated a Communications List has been provided. He noted no referrals

were listed.

REFERALS

XI.

COUNCIL SUB COMMITTEE, LIAISON REPORTS

Administration Committee

Councilor Ingalls stated although the Administration Committee has not met since the last Town

Council meeting the Committee had a few reappointments on tonight’s agenda.

RESULT:

Community Relations Committee

Councilor Paul stated the Community Relations Committee met on January 18, 2023 and

discussed the following: (1) Black History Month Program - Councilor Paul stated the Committee

finalized the details for the Black History Month Essay and Poster Contest Program. He stated

Councilor Rodriguez has been gracious in putting in a lot of work to get the Program underway with

the Ledyard Public Schools, the Home School Community and other students as mentioned earlier

this evening. He stated the Contest Program would run from February 1st to the 20th, 2023. He

stated the Community Relations Committee was hoping to present the awards to the winners at a

Town Council Meeting, as they did last year. He stated as Councilor Rodriguez mentioned during

Citizens Comments, the parents and kids loved the event, and it made a difference. He stated the

Committee did discuss some other things; however, he stated no other plans were ever set. He stated

they were all volunteers and that they were trying to put some things together focusing on the kids,

because they understand the importance of it; (2) Developing a List of dates and programs/services

that they would like to present to residents during the spring and summer. (3) Informal Gatherings -

Councilor Paul stated the Committee would like to receive residents input to find some interesting

topics to talk about. He stated the Community Relations Committee’s next meeting was scheduled

for February 15, 2023 and that they hoped anyone who was interested would attend.

Councilor Saums stated the Community Relations Committee was looking into researching Black

Ledyard Residents in History, noting that there was not much information available. He stated the

Committee’s thought was that educating residents about some of Ledyard’s people of color, who

have done some wonderful and amazing things, could be added to the Committee’s charter.

RESULT:

Finance Committee

Councilor Saums stated the Finance Committee met on January 18, 2023 and discussed the

following: (1) Annual Audit Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2023 - Councilor Saums stated the

Town’s Auditors CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP attended the Finance Committee meeting to

deliver their report, and several members of the Town Council and Board of Education, and

the Superintendent of Schools were in attendance. The Auditors issued an Unmodified

Opinion on the basic financial statements, which was the best opinion available. There were

no disagreements with management. One significant deficiency on internal controls was

reported regarding items that were prepaid by the Board of Education and reported as

expenditures in FY22. The Town was aware of this and was presently discussing the practice

with the Board of Education. The Annual Audit found no material weaknesses or other

deficiencies. In their Management Letter, CLA recommended that tracking capital assets like

large trucks and fire apparatus on Excel spreadsheets can be error prone, and recommended

using a capital asset tracking software instead, which the Finance Director was looking into.

Also, Housing Rehabilitation Loans were not tracked and reconciled to the general ledger in

the past, which CLA recommended doing in the future. The Auditors found an isolated

incident where Water Fund expenses that pertained to FY21 were reported in FY22. Finally,

the Audit Report noted that progress has been made by the Board of Education in tracking

the Education Grant and School Lunch funds, which was reported in the prior year. As done

in the past, the Finance Committee asked the Finance Department to respond to the

Management Letter with the actions the Town was taking regarding the Auditors’

recommendations; (2) Financial Reports - Councilor Saums stated Finance Director Matthew

Bonin provided a 5 month update on Revenues and a 6 month update on Expenses in Excel

spreadsheets, which the Committee appreciated because they were so much easier to

interpret than the Munis reports; (3) Board of Education Fiscal Year 2023 Surplus -

Councilor Saums stated the Finance Committee discussed but took no action on transferring

the Board of Education FY 21-22 operating budget surplus of $448,253 to the BOE Capital

Reserve Fund, which was required in accordance with the 1989 “Resolution Creating a

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

Board of Education”. This was because the General Government experienced a Healthcare

deficit of $861,753 noting that the Board of Education Retiree Healthcare costs were

overlooked last year during the budget preparation process. The Finance Committee would

continue to review the situation and the process. A written procedure was being developed to

ensure this does not happen again. A larger issue was how the Board of Education’s Capital

Assets were paid for, and how money was set aside along with other funding sources like

Grants and Bonding. Superintendent of Schools Mr. Hartling made the points that Retired

Employee Healthcare expenses were balanced out by Employee Contributions, that the

budget surplus transfer was required per the Resolution, and that projects slated for this

summer could not be completed if the funds were not transferred; (3) “Resolution

Establishing Administrator/Department Head Benefits” - Councilor Saums stated the Finance

Committee continued their discussion regarding proposed updates to the “Resolution

Establishing Administrator/Department Head Benefits”, specifically, how Department Heads

annual gross wage increases would be determined. He stated the Committee discussed a

proposal to use the CCM Data Report based on the average negotiated union wage increases,

but the average reported for December was less than the Department Heads received this

year. The Committee discussed this new method, but then withdrew the motion because

more work needed to be done. There were two issues: (a) Adjusting wages to be competitive

with other towns (if necessary); and (b) Then keeping wages competitive. External measures

were needed for both, and the CCM Report provided an independent source for both; (4)

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

Citizens Facility - Councilor Saums stated the Finance Committee added a new item to the

agenda to approve the use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding and to obtain bids

to replace the HVAC systems in the Emergency Services Building and the Parks and

Recreation/Senior Citizens Center. The HVAC System at the Parks and Recreation/Senior

Center was 31 years old. The heating system has been repaired many times and the air

conditioning system has failed completely. The cost to replace the system was about

$75,000. Councilor Saums went on to state that the Emergency Services Building System

was 21 years old and it’s heating system was failing. The cost to replace the Emergency

Services Building’s system was about $190,000. Currently there was about $600K of

undesignated ARPA funds, and the total combined proposals were $337,000. Councilor

Saums stated Public Works Director/Town Engineer Steve Masalin provided a quote from

one contractor from the State Bid List, but after the meeting, the Public Works Director

spoke with the Building and Grounds Forman and was informed that two quotes were

obtained, and that the other estimate was even higher. Councilor Saums stated that Mr.

Masalin explained that going out to bid for three quotes would require engineering work to

develop a Request for Proposals (RFP) and would further delay these HVAC Projects; and

there was the potential for the cost to increase, not decrease. Therefore, the Finance

Committee’s recommendation to approve ARPA Funding and to solicit additional bids was

not on tonight’s agenda because more information was needed. Councilor Saums concluded

by stating the Finance Committee does not have any items on tonight’s agenda.

Councilor Marshall questioned whether the failing air conditioning system at the Parks and

Recreation/Senior Citizens Facility was a roof-top unit. Mayor Allyn, III, stated the systems

were ground-based units, and that the air handlers that were in the crawlspace were also an

issue. He stated it was an R-410 refrigerant, which was an old-style refrigerant. He stated last

year they had to operate with window units.

Councilor Saums stated Mayor Allyn has asked State Senator Cathy Osten to submit a House

Bill in to fund some of these HVAC costs thru state funding. He explained that the State

would apply for bonding and would then grant the funding to the Town to pay for the new

HVAC Systems. Mayor Allyn stated that two House Bills were referred to Committee today,

noting that there has already been some action.

RESULT:

Land Use/Planning/Public Works Committee

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

meeting they have one item on tonight’s agenda. He noted the Committee’s next meeting was

scheduled for February 6, 2023.

RESULT:

Water Pollution Control Authority

Councilor Saums stated the WPCA met on January 24, 2023 and addressed the following: (1)

WPCA Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Budgets - The WPCA approved the following budgets: (a)

Water Operations Budget in the amount of $1,518,724.32 did not require a water rate

increase; (b) Sewer Operations Budget in the amount of $707,027.52 had a $24,000 shortfall

and would require a 4.5% increase in sewer rates. Councilor Saums explained in accordance

with Section 5 of Ordinance #400-001 “An Ordinance Establishing a Water Pollution

Control Authority” the WPCA would be scheduling a Public Hearing to present the

increased rates. He went on to note that the WPCA voted to recommend the Town Council

approve a Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Water Operations Budget in the amount of $1,518,724;

explaining that per Ordinance #400-001 that “The Town Council shall approve the water

system budget. This shall be provided to the residents at the Annual Town Meeting on the

budget.” He went on to explain that the Town Council was not required to approve the

Sewer Operations Budget; (2) Wastewater Treatment Facility - The Smith and Loveless Feed

Pump has been delivered; and it would be installed this spring; (3) Ledyard Center Water

Storage Tank Maintenance - The Contractor hired to paint the roof of the Route 117 Water

Storage Tank was scheduled to start work in April or May; (4) Groton Utilities Interest to

Purchase Ledyard’s Water and Sewer Assets - There has been no further communication

from Groton Utilities regarding an offer to purchase the assets of the Town of Ledyard’s

water and sewer systems; (5) Southeastern Connecticut Water Authority (SCWA) Request -

Councilor Saums stated the WPCA reviewed and discussed a request from SCWA in which

they talked about a new SCWA Ledyard Division Well that would be located across the

street from the Ledyard Center Water Storage Tank. Councilor Saums read some excerpts

from the SCWA Chairman’s Report as follows:

“….B. Upgrades at the Ledyard Pump Station and Spicer Hill Booster Station

This project includes installation of variable frequency pumps (VFDs) at the

Ledyard Pump Station and the Spicer Hill Booster Station, which is part of the

Ledyard distribution system. This project also includes the elimination of the

hydropneumatic pressure tanks at both stations, which is a top priority for DPH.

SCWA intended to request bids in August, but unfortunately, the pump

manufacturer stated there is now a 6-month lead time for delivery of the VFD

packages. Based on long-lead times for delivery, and escalating prices for the

VFDs, SCWA plans to install the pumps using in-house labor in the spring, with

the assistance of a certified plumber and electrician.

C. New Well at Ledyard Division

During the drought last summer SCWA realized an additional well is necessary at

the Ledyard pump station because the summer usage was averaging between 30 to

40 thousand gallons/day. 40,000 gallons/day is the maximum allowable yield of

the two existing wells at Ledyard Division. The application for a new well was

submitted to the Department of Public Health (DPH) in September and SCWA

received approval in November. SCWA is now working with the Town of Ledyard

to obtain an easement because the State requires that SCWA control a 150-foot

radius around each well.

Councilor Saums stated the required 150-foot radius around the SCWA well

would come onto town property where the Route 117 Ledyard Center Water

Storage Tank was located. Therefore, he stated the question was why the

Department of Public Health (DPH) would approve an expansion of SCWA’s

existing failing well in the shadow of Ledyard’s Water Storage Tank.

D. Tower Division Upgrades

The project to replace the original water main leading from the Tower Division

pump stations to the main distribution located on East Drive was completed in

December 2022. Throughout the two-week project water was provided through the

backup water main, completed in 2021, using the trailer mounted mobile pump

station constructed several years ago.

Councilor Saums went on to note in their report, SCWA stated that they were working with

the Town of Ledyard to request a 150-foot radius easement over Town-owned property to

support a new well for their Ledyard Center system. He stated the WPCA discussed, and

then approved a motion to recommend that the Town Council disapprove SCWA’s request

for an easement over Town land, which would include the Route 117 Water Storage Tank in

Ledyard Center. He stated the WPCA noted multiple reasons for their recommendation to

deny SCWA’s easement request as follows: (a) SCWA already had an interconnection with

the WPCA to purchase water to sell to their customers; (b) SCWA has never cooperated

with the WPCA on exclusive service area requests; (c) Because Ledyard’s WPCA’s system

has better capability to serve future development in the area, (d) The WPCA did not see any

point in in expanding a system with such limited capabilities; (e) SCWA customers in

Ledyard experience frequent water supply issues; (f) SCWA repeatedly excavates town roads

- including newly paved roads - to repair leaks on a regular basis, and has not reinvested

enough ratepayer funds to replace its aging water mains, which the WPCA believes would be

a better use of SCWA’s customers’ money.

Councilor Saums concluded his report noting that he learned Eversource (power company)

recently purchased Aquarion Water Company, noting that it seemed that there would be

some interesting changes in the water business and in utilities in the coming years. Mayor

Allyn, III, noted that Eversource also owned Yankee Gas.

Councilor Marshall addressed the WPCA’s proposed Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Water

Operations and Sewer Operations Budgets. He noted that the water and sewer rates were tied

together, therefore, he questioned whether the sewer expenses increased. Councilor Saums

stated because the sewer expenses increased that the WPCA needed to adjust the ratio;

however, the rate was still not right to cover both the water and sewer. He explained that

sewer charge was based on the water usage because they could not measure how much water

goes down the sewer, but they can measure the amount of water used. He stated every few

years the WPCA has to readjust the rate based on the cost of the water for the sewer side

because they have to keep the water and sewer accounts separate. He also explained that the

WPCA could not lose money on the sewer side and make it up from the water side.

RESULT:

Youth and Social Services Board

Councilor McGrattan stated the Youth and Social Services met on January 17, 2023 and she

reported the following: (1) The Juvenile Review Board had one open case and there were more

cases to come; (2) Counseling Services were being provided to 66 families; (3) Interviews for

Counseling Interns from the University of Rhode Island (URI) were being conducted for next

year. They hope to get two or three Interims; (4) Holiday Season was successful with the

collection and distribution of Toys, Gifts and Food Baskets for those who were eligible; (5)

Linda C. Davis Food Pantry - There has been an increase in the number of guests using the Food

Pantry; (6) The Youth and Social Services Board elected New Officers.

Councilor Rodriguez stated a Licensed Professional Clinician has been hired using the American

Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding. The Clinician began working for the Town and already had

a number of cases.

Board of Education

Councilor Irwin noted the Board of Education met on January 11, 2023 and he reported the

following: (1) Preparing the Fiscal Year 2023/2023 Education Budget; (2) Ledyard Education

Advancement Foundation (LEAF) - This was the 20th year of LEAF and during this time they

have raised and distributed $800,000 for projects in the School District.

Senior Citizens Commission

Councilor Rodriguez stated at the Senior Citizens Commission meeting earlier today and they

discussed the merger of the Senior Citizens Commission and the Parks and Recreation

Commission. She stated an informal vote was taken on the proposal and that the majority were

in-favor of the merger. She stated one member was against the proposal and two members said

that they were on the fence, but could vote either way. She stated the Senior Citizens

Commission had some questions, noting that Chairman Norma Sokolski would be writing a

letter to the Administration Committee with a copy to the Mayor and the Town Council.

Agricultural Commission

Councilor Rodriguez noted that the Agricultural Commission has invited a number of the

Town’s Land Use Commissions to their March 23, 2023 meeting to continue their discussion

regarding mutual goals.

XII. REPORT OF THE MAYOR

REPORT OF THE MAYOR:

Mayor Allyn, III, reported on the following: (1) Southeastern Connecticut Water Authority

(SCWA) Easement Request - Mayor Allyn noted Councilor Saums’ WPCA Report in which

he referred to a SCWA Report that stated “SCWA was working with the Town of Ledyard to

request a 150-foot radius easement over Town-owned property to support a new well for

their Ledyard Center system.” He stated that he wanted to clarify this statement noting that he

has never had any communication with SCWA regarding an easement area, not written, not

verbal, not in-person, nothing. He stated he did not know where this statement was coming from,

but that it was not based in fact. He stated if he does receive any communications from SCWA

regarding this subject that he would let the Town Council know; (2) Town Facilities HVAC

Systems - Mayor Allyn stated as Councilor Saums mentioned during his Finance Committee

Report earlier this evening, the Town Hall air conditioning system failed last summer, and they

had to operate using window units. He stated the air conditioning units have come in and would

be ready to be installed for this summer. However, he stated now the HVAC Systems at the

Emergency Services Building (ESB) on Fairway Drive and the Parks and Recreation /Senior

Citizens Center on Van Tassel Drive have also failed. He stated when the Emergency Services

Building was built it was meant to have radian floor heat. He stated due to budget constraints or

other reasons they opted not to install the radiant heat and decided to use gas/propone fired

Modine heaters instead. He stated the Emergency Services Building ceilings were very high,

explaining that the temperature could be 50 degrees at ground level and 90 degrees at the

ceiling. He stated over the last several years there have been several emergency appropriations

to replace the corroding vent pipes, because of the condensation that runs down the vent pipes

onto the Modine heaters was eroding the pipes and causing the piping to fail. He stated to keep

up with the heating needs that the propane tanks were being filled weekly. He thanked State

Senator Cathy Osten for submitting the House Bill to provide funding for the HVAC and a

natural gas generator that would operate the Parks and Recreation/Senior Citizens Center. He

stated because the Parks and Recreation/Senior Citizens Center had a full commercial kitchen

that the facility could be used during a crisis noting that it was currently used as a cooling and

heating center. He stated that he would stay in communication with Senator Osten as she

continued to work hard for Southeastern Connecticut; (3) Contract Negotiations - Mayor Allyn

stated this year the town was negotiating with four different bargaining units (School Health

Aides, Nurses, Dispatch and Police). He stated making this more challenging was that

Administrator of Human Resources Don Steinhoff would be retiring on March 30, 2023; (4)

Administrator of Human Resources Interviews - Mayor Allyn stated the town has received a

couple of Applications, noting that some lacked the qualifications for the role, and that they

would continue to work to try to fill the position; (5) Police Department Retirement - Mayor

Allyn thanked Officer Tom Olsson for his service to Ledyard, noting that he would be retiring

on February 1, 2023; (6) 334 Colonel Ledyard Highway - Mayor Allyn stated in-lieu of

foreclosure the Town received the deed for 334 Colonel Ledyard Highway today. He explained

the property was a dilapidated house that the town had placed a Blight Lien on. He stated over

the last five years the town had to hire a contractor to clean up the property each year for a cost

of about $1,000 - $1,200. He stated once the work was done the town would place a lien on the

property, start the foreclosure process, and then the owner would pay the lien. However, he

stated this year the owner decided to give the town the property instead of paying the lien. He

stated the town also owned the house next door to 334 Colonel Ledyard Highway and that he

would be presenting some options for the Town Council to consider to get at least one of the

properties back on the tax roll; (7) 1992 Pierce Fire Truck (lime green & white) - GovDeals

Auction Site - Mayor Allyn stated the 1992 Pierce Fire Truck (lime green & white - Green

Goblin) has been posted for sale on the GovDeals.com on-line auction site. He noted in 2019

the town purchased the 1992 Pierce Fire Truck (lime green & white - Green Goblin) as a stop

gap measure while the Ledyard Center Fire Department’s R-12 was having a new Cummins

Engine installed. He stated during discussions between the Finance Committee and the Fire

Department it was decided that once Engine R-12 was back in service and fully functionable

they would sell the surplus fire engine; (8) Browns Road Crossing Bridge - Mayor Allyn

provided some background noting at their February 10, 2021 meeting the Town Council

authorized him to enter into an agreement with the Providence & Worcester Railroad

Company to provide a physical replacement of the Brown’s Road Crossing Bridge with the

agreement that the Town would take ownership of the bridge and manage the maintenance of

the bridge after P&W Railroad replaced the structure with a bridge that met the current

highway rating standards. On June 9, 2021 the Town Council voted to accept ownership of

the new Brown’s Crossing Bridge, located in Gales Ferry, from Genesee & Wyoming

(G&W) Railroad, contingent upon the completion of construction and certification. He stated

the last issues have been cleared and the Attorneys were finalizing the documents for the

transfer of title to happen soon; (9) Connecticut Mirror Newspaper Solid Waste Article -

Mayor Allyn noted earlier today he sent the Town Council an article regarding Solid Waste.

He stated about a year ago he spoke passionately about Connecticut trucking almost 900,000

tons of garbage out of our State every year to landfills in other states such as Michigan and

Alabama. He stated it was not a solution at all. He stated Southeastern Connecticut Regional

Recycling Resource Authority (SCRRRA) was actively working to move ahead with a Food

Scrap Pilot Program. He stated taking food scraps out of the waste stream would be turned

into soil and could reduce the waste tonnage by 20%-25%. He stated at one point the

Recycling Market had bottomed out and their Recycling became worthless, however, he

stated the good news was that Ledyard was again receiving some money for their recycling;

(10) Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Budget Preparation - Mayor Allyn stated he has begun meeting

with Department Heads to review their budget requests, noting that they had a lot of work

ahead. He stated in accordance with the Town Charter that he would be submitting his

proposed Budget to the Town Council on March 6, 2023 (first Monday in March). He noted

that the Finance Committee would then hold three Budget Work Sessions to begin their

budget preparation work; (11) Youth and Social Services Board - Mayor Allyn noted the new

Youth Services Clinician that was hired using the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

Funding was already working with eleven families that have school age children. He stated

the Board was looking to stand the Truancy Review Board back up for the Middle School.

He stated truancy in Middle Schools and High Schools across the state was skyrocketing;

(12) Legislative Research Report regarding Growth and Shrinkage Across the State of

Connecticut - Mayor Allyn stated Ledyard was the fastest growing town in New London

County with a 2.4% population increase over the last decade. He stated while 2.4% growth

may seem to be low that it was 2.5 times higher than the state average. He stated this data

was a good sign noting that Ledyard needed to grow, but that they needed to grow smart.

Questions to the Mayor - None.

RESULT:

XIII. OLD BUSINESS

None.

XIV. NEW BUSINESS

CONSENT CALENDAR

MOTION to reappoint the following members to the Retirement Board for a three (3) year term

ending January 20, 2026:

*1.

*2.

Mrs. Sharon Wadecki (D) 44 Fanning Road, Ledyard

Mr. Daniel Panosky (R) 17 Chriswood Trace, Ledyard

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

RESULT:

MOTION to reappoint the following members to the Ledyard Farmers’ Market Committee for a

three (3) year term ending February 26, 2026:

Mr. William Thorne, (R) 3 Adios Lane, Ledyard

Mr. Peter Hary 973 Shewville Road, Ledyard

Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor Rodriguez

VOTE: 9 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Andra Ingalls

RESULT:

MOVER:

S. Naomi Rodriguez

SECONDER:

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

Ryan, and Irwin

AYE:

Land Use/Planning/Public Works Committee

MOTION to approve a proposed “Lease Agreement between Robert and Mary Graham and the

Town of Ledyard” for the lease of approximately 0.8 +/- parcel on Bush Pond as presented in

the draft dated December 19, 2022.

.3.

Moved by Councilor Paul, seconded by Councilor Rodriguez

Discussion: A Public Hearing was held earlier this evening.

VOTE: 9 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Gary Paul

RESULT:

MOVER:

S. Naomi Rodriguez

SECONDER:

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

Ryan, and Irwin

AYE:

General Business

Discuss Work Session Items as time permits.

None.

.4.

XV. ADJOURNMENT

Councilor Rodriguez moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilor Ingalls

VOTES; 9- 0 Approved and so declared. The meeting adjourned at 7::50 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 January 25, 2023.

________________________________________

Kevin J. Dombrowski, 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.