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, February 22, 2023  
7:00 PM  
Town Hall Council Chambers  
In-Person: Council Chambers Town Hall Annex  
Remote: Information noted below:  
Join Zoom Meeting from your Computer, Smart Phone or Tablet:  
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84686270084?  
pwd=MnlFV2c3bGxRbmlXaFZIZUM1YWVMUT09  
Or by Audio Only: Telephone: +1 646 558 8656; Meeting ID: 846 8627 0084; Passcode:  
267651  
I.  
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 Whit Irwin  
Councilor Tim Ryan  
Excused:  
IV.  
PRESENTATIONS  
Ledyard Police Department Medal for Meritorious Service to Officer Taylor Krajewski  
·
Police Chief John Rich thanked all who attended the Law Enforcement and Appreciation  
Event that was held on Sunday, February 19, 2023 at the United Methodist Church. He stated  
because Police Officer Taylor Krajewski was not able to attend Sunday’s event that he  
would like to recognize her this evening by presenting the following:  
Department Medal for Meritorious Service  
Officer Taylor Krajewski  
On August 8, 2022 at approximately 2:36 a.m. the Connecticut State Police at Troop E made  
a broadcast over the police emergency hotline reporting an incident at the Bellissimo Grande  
Hotel located at 411 Norwich Westerly Road (Route 2) in North Stonington. Three  
individuals involved in a theft from a vehicle pointed a firearm at a witness and fled the  
scene in a white Jeep, traveling west on Route 2 toward Norwich. Subsequently, Ledyard  
Dispatch personnel were notified that the State Police were in pursuit of the white Jeep on  
Route 2 approaching the Ledyard town line. Officer Taylor Krajewski was conducting motor  
vehicle enforcement on Route 2 near the Foxwoods Casino when she observed the accused  
vehicle being pursued by two State Police vehicles with their lights and sirens activated. At  
that time, Officer Krajewski activated her lights and siren and entered onto Route 2  
following behind the State Police vehicles, advising dispatch of her involvement. Officer  
Krajewski continued west on Route 2, then onto Route 2A in Preston. As Officer Krajewski  
radioed her location, Officer First Class Gary A. Butters began responding from his west  
patrol location and took a position on Route 2A near the Route 12 intersection, to deploy  
Stop Sticks to terminate the pursuit.  
The Montville Police also responded to the area as the involved Jeep sped past Officer  
Butters’ location, striking the Stop Sticks and puncturing the right tires. The Jeep slowed  
down and ultimately stopped in a driveway near the Preston Riverwalk property. Two of the  
three occupants exited the Jeep and began to run south in the woods along Route 12. The  
third suspect remained in the Jeep, where Officer Butters and members of the State Police  
took him into custody without incident. Officer Krajewski and Montville Officer Witts  
pursued the two fleeing suspects on foot for approximately 3/10 mile through a wooded area  
and over a chain link fence, ultimately apprehending both suspects. All three suspects were  
arrested and transported to the Troop E Barracks for processing. A loaded handgun and a  
backpack were recovered from the scene of the stop outside the Jeep.  
Now, by the authority granted to me under Town of Ledyard Ordinance 500-001, I am proud  
to award Officer Taylor Krajewski the Ledyard Police Department Medal for Meritorious  
Service for her outstanding service beyond the ordinary course of duty. Her diligence,  
perseverance and timely judgment resulted in the protection of life, the solving of a major  
crime and the apprehension of three armed dangerous individuals. Her actions are in  
keeping with the highest traditions of Connecticut Law Enforcement.  
Issued from the Office of the Chief of Police this twenty-second day of February 2023.  
John J. Rich  
Chief of Police  
Mayor Allyn, III, stated State Senator Cathy Osten attended the Law Enforcement and  
Appreciation Day Event that was held on Sunday, February 19, 2023 at the United Methodist  
Church; however, he stated that Senator Osten was not able to be here this evening.  
Therefore, he stated on behalf of Senator Osten he would be presenting Officer Taylor  
Krajewski an “Official Citation” that was introduced by Senator Osten as well as  
Representative Ryan, Representative Howard, and Representative Lanoue.  
“Official Citation  
Be it hereby known by All: That the Connecticut General Assembly  
offers its sincerest congratulations to Officer Taylor Krajewski in  
recognition of receiving the Ledyard Police Department Medal for  
Meritorious Service.  
The entire membership extends it very best wishes on this memorable  
occasion and expresses its hope for continued success.  
Given on the nineteenth day of February, 2023.  
Signed at the State Capital by Senate Pro-tem Martin Looney, Speaker of  
the House Matt Ritter and Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas”.  
RECEIVED AND FILED  
Board of Education proposed Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Budget  
RESULT:  
·
Superintendent of Schools Jason Hartling presented the Board of Education’s proposed  
Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Budget in the amount of $35,908,368. This was an increase of  
$1,353,048 or 3.92% over the current Fiscal Year 2022/2023 Budget.  
Mr. Hartling began by discussing the increasing needs of students. He explained that the  
three characteristics of their at-risk students were:  
· Poverty  
· Disability  
· Language acquisition  
Mr. Hartling stated over the last ten years, even prior to the Covid-19 Pandemic, that there  
has been a dramatic change of the profile of the students entering Ledyard Public Schools.  
He stated this has caused the District to reformulate how they approach the needs that their  
students that were coming-in, with beginning in Kindergarten and matriculating thru their  
years in Ledyard Public Schools. He reviewed "Students Needs Chart" (please see attached  
presentation) noting the following:.  
Blue Metric - Illustrated the work Ledyard has done to stabilize the increase of needs by  
appropriately identifying their students and providing them with the services that would  
eventually allow them to exit out of the special education program if appropriate.  
Orange Metric: Illustrated the Free or Reduced Lunch population which was over 30%  
for this current school year. Mr. Hartling explained that the State of Connecticut and  
Federal Government used the Free or Reduced Lunch population to measure the level of  
poverty in the community. He stated that he believed that this number was 5% - 6% less  
than what it should be, explaining that some families who were on the margin were  
resistant to returning the Free and Reduced Lunch Forms back to the school because they  
did not think they would qualify. Therefore, he stated the Central Office has continued to  
work to encourage families to fill out the Free or Reduced Lunch Forms and to get them  
back to the schools, so that they could have a better representation of the poverty rate in  
Ledyard.  
Mr. Hartling continued by noting the drop in that poverty level metric during 2021-2022  
coincided with the State providing free lunch for all students because of the Covid-19  
Pandemic. However, he noted by the State providing free lunch to all students during the  
Pandemic that it removed any incentive to encourage families to complete the Free or  
Reduced Lunch Forms.  
Mr. Hartling addressed the importance of the Free and Reduced Lunch metric explaining  
that this number was part of the formula that drives the State’s Education Cost Sharing  
(ECS) funding to the town. He stated that it was also the number that the Federal  
Government used to award Federal Grants to Ledyard, and that it would become a  
qualifier for a lot of other additional funding sources.  
Mr. Hartling went on to note in years past the Town Council was focused on Impact Aid  
Funding and he stated because of the Central Office’s efforts, Ledyard has had some  
significant growth in that number. However, he stated the Free and Reduced Lunch  
Forms were as impactful if not more than the Impact Aid Form. However, he stated the  
Free and Reduced Lunch Forms were little more personal because they were asking  
people what they earned.  
· Red Column showed the percentage of students Not Meeting the Achievement Standard.  
Mr. Hartling stated in many of their grade levels they were seeing almost 50% of their  
students not at Standard by the State’s Measure. He stated this was one measurement of  
student growth and achievement, however, he stated it was an important summary of how  
the year ended. He stated because it was a single year snapshot that these numbers were  
not cohorts and so they could not compare third grade to forty grade, etc. He stated  
Ledyard Public Schools was working to minimize the number of students that were  
Approaching and Not Meeting Achievement as illustrated the Yellow and Red Columns.  
Mr. Hartling explained because they could not hire enough Interventionist to solve this  
problem alone, that they were looking to attack it in both daily instruction, which they  
would call a Tier I Intervention, explaining that this was what every student received, as  
well as providing the Tier III Intervention, for students who were in Red Column.  
Mr. Hartling stated Ledyard Public Schools has done significant overhauls in both their  
English Language Arts (Reading) and Math Curriculum. He stated in their programmatic  
approach they have added multiple science-based programs to assist them in the  
instruction of the students overall, which has had a great effect, noting that they were  
seeing positive changes and improvements in student achievements, but that they still  
had a long way to go.  
· Staffing  
Mr. Hartling stated understanding Ledyard Public Schools Teachers, Staff, and every  
Member of the Team were working incredibly hard and incredibly efficient to get the  
gains that they were getting; that they did not have enough to do what they need to do for  
the student profile and based on the academic needs they have in Ledyard moving  
forward.  
Mr. Hartling stated although he did not like to make comparisons that he wanted to  
present two charts regarding other towns in Southeastern Connecticut:  
· Student Achievement  
Mr. Hartling reviewed the Smarter Balance Achievement Consortium English Language  
Arts and the Math (SBAC Charts) (please see attached presentation).  
Mr. Hartling noted theses Chart were a representation of Student Achievement as measured  
by the State Assessment. He explained the following:  
· Purple Column showed the percentage of students that were At or Above the  
Achievement Standard.  
· Yellow Column showed the percentage of students that were Approaching Achievement  
Standard.  
· Red Column showed the percentage of students Not Meeting the Achievement Standard.  
Mr. Hartling stated in many of their grade levels they were seeing almost 50% of their  
students not at Standard by the State’s Measure. He stated this was one measurement of  
student growth and achievement, however, he stated it was an important summary of how  
the year ended. He stated because it was a single year snapshot that these numbers were  
not cohorts and so they could not compare third grade to forty grade, etc. He stated  
Ledyard Public Schools was working to minimize the number of students that were  
Approaching and Not Meeting Achievement as illustrated the Yellow and Red Columns.  
Mr. Hartling explained because they could not hire enough Interventionist to solve this  
problem alone, that they were looking to attack it in both daily instruction, which they  
would call a Tier I Intervention, explaining that this was what every student received, as  
well as providing the Tier III Intervention, for students who were in Red Column.  
Mr. Hartling stated Ledyard Public Schools has done significant overhauls in both their  
English Language Arts (Reading) and Math Curriculum. He stated in their programmatic  
approach they have added multiple science-based programs to assist them in the  
instruction of the students overall, which has had a great effect, noting that they were  
seeing positive changes and improvements in student achievements, but that they still  
had a long way to go.  
· Staffing  
Mr. Hartling stated understanding Ledyard Public Schools Teachers, Staff, and every  
Member of the Team were working incredibly hard and incredibly efficient to get the  
gains that they were getting; that they did not have enough to do what they need to do for  
the student profile and based on the academic needs they have in Ledyard moving  
forward.  
Mr. Hartling stated although he did not like to make comparisons that he wanted to  
present two charts regarding other towns in Southeastern Connecticut (please see  
attached presentation).  
Mr. Hartling stated he broke these charts out based on Staff. He noted the following:  
· Certified Student Support Staff - Special Education Team and Mental Health  
Professionals. Mr. Hartling stated Ledyard had 500 more students than Montville;  
however, Ledyard had 0.6 less of a staff person than Montville.  
· General Education Staff - Classroom Teachers - Mr. Hartling stated Ledyard had  
40 less Teachers compared to East Lyme ( East Lyme had 194 students more than  
Ledyard).  
· Per Pupil Expenditure - Mr. Hartling noted that Stonington’s per pupil  
expenditure was $1,000 more than Ledyard’s per pupil. He stated if Ledyard were  
to increase its per pupil expenditure to the same level as Stonington that it would  
put Ledyard’s education funding at $2.5 million, which would amount to about  
forty more staff members to serve Ledyard’s students.  
Mr. Hartling stated because of these differences in Certified Staffing and General  
Education Staffing that they see the impact in a variety of ways, noting that it was not  
only in the interventions and the individual classroom, but in the programmatic offerings  
they could provide to Ledyard students. He also noted the comparison in the number of  
Paraprofessionals and other staffing, noting that Ledyard was being incredibility efficient.  
He stated that he was only raising these comparisons to help folks clearly understand how  
hard the Educational Team was working to serve the kids in Ledyard. He stated seeing  
this data added that perspective as they look to improve things and to improve student  
outcomes.  
· Enrollment  
Mr. Hartling stated prior to his arrival in Ledyard seven years ago, the conversation  
relative to the Board of Education’s budget was enrollment. He stated they used  
enrollment as the metric for funding without closely examining the other data points,  
which was student needs. He noted at the Town Council’s January 25, 2023 meeting  
Mayor Allyn, III, mentioned that Ledyard was the fastest growing town in New London  
County with a 2.4% population increase over the last decade. Mr. Hartling stated Ledyard  
was going to see an increase in student enrollment over the next several years, particularly as  
Developments come on-line. He stated Ledyard student enrollment has remained relatively  
flat over the last several years with the exception of the Covid-19 Pandemic year, where they  
had a large number of students that temporally moved to home schooling.  
v Budget Priorities:  
Mr. Hartling provided an overview of the Budget Priorities as follows:  
ü Continue the evolution of K-5 literacy and numeracy instruction and the professional  
growth of their educators. Mr. Hartling stated they did not use a broad brush noting  
that they focused on the two elementary schools investing in literacy and numeracy  
curriculums, and professional development staff.  
Mr. Hartling went on to explain that the Board of Education did other work that did  
not have a dollar ticket attached to it at the High School and Middle School. He  
stated they received the Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) Grant  
for mathematics instruction, which helped them accelerate their work in the Middle  
School, around intervention and curriculum pieces, noting that they would continue  
to build on these initiatives.  
ü Continue enhancements and evolution of the intervention model and expand serve  
capacity.  
Mr. Hartling explained their Intervention Model for the students that were Below  
Achievement (Red Column) as noted in in the Smarter Balance Achievement  
Consortium English Language Arts (SBAC) Chart that he reviewed earlier this  
evening. He stated these students could be 2 - 3 years below level and required a Tier  
III Intervention, which was a specialized numeracy or literacy teacher, who worked  
with students to build their skill banks so that they could access the instruction in  
their classroom.  
ü Mr. Hartling stated for the students that were Approaching Achievement as noted in  
in the Smarter Balance Achievement Consortium (SBAC) Charts (Yellow Column)  
that the classroom teachers were using time each day to work on targeted skills.  
Mr. Hartling went on to explain as teachers face more challenges and uniqueness in  
their classrooms that they have to provide them with the professional support and  
professional growth so that they could begin to approach those problems with  
different methods and different techniques. He stated that they were looking to  
achieve this thru a Coaching Model.  
ü Continue to address and ameliorate achievement gaps and the number of students  
below basic  
Mr. Hartling stated it was their moral imperative to make sure that 50% of Ledyard  
students were not falling behind or multiple years behind as they progress thru the  
system. He stated when they fail to do that they also accelerate a dynamic where they  
allocate more and more dollars to intervention and special education because they did not  
deal with the problem appropriately early enough. Therefore, he stated they wanted to  
continue to significantly reduce the number of students that were Below Achievement  
(Red Column) and Approaching Achievement (Yellow Colum) as noted in in the Smarter  
Balance Achievement Consortium (SBAC) Charts. He stated once they reduce these  
numbers that they could being to talk about expanding the Gifted and Talented and other  
Programs. He stated this was the District’s Long-Term Strategy for growth.  
v District Needs  
Mr. Hartling stated as they have been doing for past few years the Board of Education  
has continued their “Needs Assessment” activities with the Administrators of each school  
to prioritize their request and needs. He although many of items in the yellow area were  
important, that they: (1) May not be able to secure funding; (2) May not be able to secure  
staffing; or (3) May not have the structure in place to fully utilize the program.  
Mr. Hartling stated when they were looking at a finite resource environment that he  
wanted to make sure every dollar they spend had the best utilization and would have the  
highest impact for students. He stated as much as he would like to have all of the items  
on the List for their kids tomorrow that because of the realties they face, they did not  
make it into next year’s proposed budget. However, he noted the importance to include  
these needs in the Board of Education’s proposed Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Budget  
presentation so that the Town Council and the Board of Education understood where they  
were going and what they would like to see long-term. He stated all of these items were  
an investment and would cost $2.8 million, which was roughly where they be if they  
were funding the education budget at the same level as Stonington.  
Mr. Hartling stated as the School District has invested in improvements that they have  
made sure that they had the leadership, coaching, and training in place so that they were  
successful interventions. He presented the “District Needs” list noting that they were  
color coded to identify their priority (please see attached presentation).  
v Budget Expenditures:  
Mr. Hartling reviewed a pie chart regarding the Budget Expenditure Breakdown noting  
the following (please see attached presentation)  
· 73.8 % Salary and Wages  
· 2.5% Utilities  
· Supplies 3.7%  
· 2.9% Special Education  
· 4.4% Transportation  
· 3.4% Other Purchases Services  
· 1.9% Purchases Property Services  
· 2.9% Professional Technology  
· 2.3% Insurance and Benefits (This does not  
include Healthcare costs. The healthcare costs are  
carried on the General Government side of the Ledger)  
Mr. Hartling stated that the Education Budget was experiencing inflation pressures. He  
stated that they were working to mitigate some of the increased expenses thru some  
purchases for electrical, some utilities, and fuel. He stated by reducing bus routes and  
negotiating solid increases, that they have been able to reduce transportation costs, noting  
that they were paying the same amount for transportation this year as they did in 2008.  
He stated because they have consolidated everywhere they could to mitigate costs that  
Ledyard’s Buses were jammed packed. However, he stated for the Fiscal Year 2024/2025  
that they would have to go out to bid for transportation.  
v Projected Revenues:  
Mr. Hartling reviewed the Board of Education’s Projected Funding Sources as follows:  
· 59.1% Town Appropriation (Tax Revenue)  
· 31.7% Education Cost Sharing - Mr. Hartling noted they would see a slight increase  
in the ECS Funding.  
·
4.2 % Impact Aid - Mr. Hartling stated Ledyard has maximized their Impact Aid  
working hard to increase awareness in the value of completing the request forms to  
identify eligible families  
· 4.4% Agri-Science  
· 0.6% Non-Resident Tuition  
v Key Budget Changes:  
· Savings related to six (6.0) known teacher retirements (FTEs retained).  
· Three (3) FTE District-Wide Interventionists for Literacy - This would bring the  
staffing level back up to the 2015 staffing level.  
· One (1.0) FTE elementary level Instructional Coach  
· One (1.0) FTE District-Wide EL Teacher (English as an additional language) - Mr.  
Hartling stated when he came to Ledyard seven years ago they had nine students  
who were learning English as their second or third language; and he noted that they  
were projecting to have forty-five students next year. He stated they were currently  
servicing this need with one teacher and one tutor; which was the reason they have  
added an additional English Language teacher into next year’s proposed budget.  
· Two Kindergarten Paraprofessionals - Mr. Hartling stated currently the  
Paraprofessionals have been moving between classrooms. He explained with the  
increasing social emotional needs of Kindergartners entering into the school districts  
the two additional Paraprofessionals was a critical path item that they needed to add  
into the budget for next year.  
· Updated Athletic Trainer position transition from a stipend to staff - Mr. Hartling  
stated because of the Covid-19 Pandemic Athletic Training has become a significant  
challenge. He stated the old model where the schools would partner with an  
orthopedic group on a part-time basis was gone. He stated everyone in the region  
was now required to hire a full-time Athletic Trainer. Therefore, he stated this  
budget expense had to be increased to provide an athletic trainer for the High School  
athletes.  
· Out of warrantee replacements for SMART boards/projectors - Mr. Hartling stated  
about $30,000 was included in the Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Budget to replace failing  
technology in the classrooms that was out of warrantee.  
· Increase in required Special Educational Services - Mr. Hartling stated they have had  
some changes relative to the services for their youth in-need that they were working  
to manage their profile; and therefore, additional special education services were  
needed for some of their high need out placements.  
Mr. Hartling concluded his presentation by providing a recap stating the Board of  
Education’s proposed Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Budget in the amount of $35,908,368, was  
an increase of $1,353,048 or 3.92% over the current Fiscal Year 2022/2023 Budget. He  
stated this was the largest budget increase he has presented to the Town Council. He stated  
when the Board of Education began the budget preparation process that the budget came in  
with an 8% increase. He stated that they worked to minimize the increase to the 3.92%  
increase as presented this evening, noting that Ledyard’s education budget increase was  
below average relative to the increases that were being published in the State of  
Connecticut. He stated there was one town in Connecticut that presented their education  
budget and that their elected officials added $1 million to the budget. He stated this  
particular town had 50 more teachers to serve roughly the same student population that  
Ledyard has. He stated the Ledyard Board of Education has presented a responsible and  
ambitious Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Budget to make sure they were serving the students as  
they deserve to be served; and that they can continue their work around ameliorating the  
achievement and opportunity gap in the community. He stated as volunteer elected officials  
that he understood the difficult decisions that the Town Council has to make, noting that  
this was a challenging time.  
Mr. Hartling stated that he would be happy to answer questions this evening and that he  
was always available should a Town Councilor like to meet with him to discuss any  
questions they may have regarding specific areas of Ledyard Public Schools, noting that  
they would take any ideas or perspectives.  
Councilor McGrattan noted during his budget presentation Mr. Hartling mentioned that  
when kids start off behind it was difficult to catch up and that it then becomes very  
expensive. Therefore, she questioned whether there was anything the town could do to  
identify some of the children who were not ready to go to Kindergarten.  
Superintendent of Schools Mr. Hartling responded to Councilor McGrattan’s question by  
stating that Ledyard had a good handle on students as they make the transition into the  
School District’s Pre-K Program. He stated they have a limited number of high-quality  
Pre-K slots and that he believed they were doing a good job there. He noted the District  
Needs Chart that he presented earlier this evening included some provisions to set up for  
the Transition to Kindergarten, noting the cost would be about $180,000. He explained  
the reason it was listed in the yellow section of the District Needs Chart was because he  
did not have the space, noting the that the elementary schools were incredibly tight. He  
stated they moved a piece of the Library out of the Gallup Hill School to put in a Pre-K  
Classroom, noting that space was going to be a concern as they looked to add any  
programming.  
Councilor McGrattan questioned where the forty-five children who do not speak English  
were from. Mr. Hartling stated the non-English speaking children were coming from all  
over, noting that next year they would have children that were speaking nine different  
languages. He stated the one teacher and one tutor have been moving from school to  
school to work with the children. He stated the professionals that work with the students  
transitioning into Ledyard Public Schools had an amazing skill set.  
Councilor Saums addressed the Coaching Model that Mr. Hartling described designed to  
provide teachers with the professional support to learn how to address the many  
challenges and uniqueness in their classrooms. He stated adults receiving coaching or  
perceiving the approach of coaching for the first time were generally resistant to it. He  
stated that he was a huge fan of coaching for adults and that he thought using coaching  
was a great way for the Board of Education to make the best use the resources they had.  
Mr. Hartling stated the idea of coaching was not intended to fix people who were not  
doing what they were supposed to be doing. He stated coaching was intended to get their  
best to be even better; and to recognize the new challenges that were in front of them. He  
stated that Councilor Saums was correct in that there can be some resistance when  
organizations muddy coaching with evaluation; or when they focus solely on poor  
performers. He stated the Administration has been alert to those types of pitfalls and he  
noted that the teachers have been receptive and demanding of the Administration to make  
sure that they receive job embedded coaching. He stated they have done this with their  
curriculum implementation, particularly with math, noting that they pursued a different  
model. He stated they have seen great success where their interventionist also worked as  
part of the curriculum coaching. He stated Ledyard’s teachers were amazing  
professionals and that they responded very well to the coaching, noting that they were  
hungry to get new ideas and to think about the work in a different way for the benefit of  
their students.  
Councilor Irwin stated the Board of Education has been investing in literacy and  
numeracy for a while now; and he questioned whether they had a sense of how much  
those numbers have moved because of the town’s investment. Mr. Hartling stated the  
wildcard has been the Covid-19 Pandemic. He stated Ledyard did not see the type of loss  
that other school districts saw during the pandemic, which was a positive. He stated the  
other factor which was difficult to control was the increasing need. He explained that  
Ledyard has been able to stop the slide that was happening and that they were beginning  
to see other positive data points in student growth and gains this year. He stated it was  
fair to say that they have mitigated the downward slide and they were beginning to see a  
positive up-tick. He stated what was not represented on the Student Achievement Charts  
was the gap they were closing in the K-2 students.  
Councilor Irwin addressed Mr. Hartling’s comments that the buildings space was tight  
and the need for more faculty/instructors; therefore, he questioned how much space  
Ledyard had for additional personnel. Mr. Hartling stated that they have added some  
additional learning space by working with Fire Marshall Jim Mann and the Director of  
Buildings and Facilities Wayne Donaldson to make some instructional cubbies. He also  
noted one classroom, with dividers, was being used by four or five adults to provide  
intervention to students. He stated the coaches would be using individual teacher  
classrooms during the day. He stated the space was tight, but that this was some of the  
challenges of the State’s reimbursement programs for school building projects. He stated  
that they were managing the best they could and that he was trying to avoid the very  
expensive set-up of portable classrooms. Councilor Irwin thanked Mr. Hartling for his  
informative budget presentation.  
Chairman Dombrowski thanked Mr. Hartling and the members of the Board of Education  
who were present for attending tonight’s meeting and for their hard work in putting together  
the Board of Education’s proposed Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Budget. He stated although no  
one wanted to see an increase, that they also have to recognize that they have been holding  
the line for many years and knew at some point they were going to see a bigger increase. He  
stated he believed the Board of Education put together a responsible budget for next year.  
RECEIVED AND FILED  
RESULT:  
V.  
RESIDENT & PROPERTY OWNERS (COMMENTS LIMITED TO THREE (3)  
MINUTES  
None  
VI.  
COMMITTEE COMMISSION AND BOARD REPORTS  
None.  
VII. COMMENTS OF TOWN COUNCILORS  
Councilor Rodriguez thanked the community for showing up in full force for the Law  
Enforcement and Appreciation Day Event that was held on Sunday, February 19, 2023 at the  
United Methodist Church. She thanked the following: Mayor Allyn, III, for his remarks,  
Councilors Saums, Councilor McGrattan, and Councilor Irwin for attending, Councilor  
McGrattan for volunteering and for all the work she did. She also thanked the Ledyard  
Rotary and the Organization Committee who were Mary Cassabria, Kathy Strout, Jennifer  
Eastbourne, Maria Knot and herself, noting that they all did an amazing job. She stated  
putting the event together was a lot of work, and that she wished they could hold the event  
every year. She stated the event was very touching and moving to see the community come  
together in support of our local heroes, our Police Officers.  
Chairman Dombrowski noted the article in the newspaper shinned a good light on the Law  
Enforcement and Appreciation Day Event.  
Councilor Ingalls offered condolences to Councilor Ryan and his family as they morn the  
passing of his father. She stated grief was terrible and that her heart goes out to him.  
Chairman Dombrowski stated Councilor Ingalls’ sentiment was shared by all of the  
Town Council.  
Councilor Irwin noted Councilor Rodriguez’s comments regarding the Law Enforcement  
and Appreciation Day Event. He stated the Award Dinner was fantastic, noting that it was  
well attended, and well done from every aspect. He thanked Councilor Rodriguez for  
spearheading and organizing the event. He stated that he looked forward to seeing the Law  
Enforcement and Appreciation Day becoming an annual event.  
VIII. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES  
MOTION to approve the following:  
·
·
Town Council Special Meeting Minutes of February 8, 2023  
Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes of February 8, 2023  
Moved by Councilor Marshall, seconded by Councilor Irwin  
VOTE: 8 - 0 Approved and so declared  
APPROVED AND SO DECLARED  
John Marshall  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
Whit Irwin  
SECONDER:  
8
Dombrowski, Saums, Ingalls, Paul, Marshall, McGrattan, Rodriguez,  
and Irwin  
AYE:  
1
Ryan  
EXCUSED:  
IX.  
X.  
COMMUNICATIONS  
Communications List for February 22, 2023  
Chairman Dombrowski stated a Communications List has been provided. He noted the referrals  
listed.  
REFERALS  
XI.  
COUNCIL SUB COMMITTEE, LIAISON REPORTS  
Administration Committee  
1.  
Councilor Ingalls stated although the Administration Committee has not met since the last  
Town Council meeting they have one item on tonight’s agenda.  
.
RESULT:  
Community Relations Committee  
2.  
Councilor Paul stated the Community Relations Committee met on February 15, 2023 and  
discussed the following: (1) Informational Presentations - Councilor Paul noted Land Use  
Director Juliet Hodge attended the meeting to discuss a Land Use Informational  
Presentation that would focus on the land use processes. The Presentation would include  
topics such as the process to build a deck, put in a swimming pool, along with how their  
zoning regulations worked; the approval process for commercial businesses; as well as  
answering questions like why we can’t have a Starbucks or Trader Joe’s in town. He stated  
with the addition of the Dollar General Store and the Cashman Project in Gales Ferry that  
this Spring may be a good time to offer a Land Use Informational Presentation. He stated  
that the Committee hoped a lot of residents would attend the Presentation because of the  
recent activity in town. He stated the Presentation would be recorded and would be available  
on the town’s website and on social media. The date for the Land Use Informational  
Presentation has not been set yet; (2) Whining Wednesday and Thankful Thursday -  
Councilor Paul stated as a way to engage residents on topics of interest for future Informal  
Conversations at various town locations, the Committee discussed bringing back Whining  
Wednesday and Thankful Thursday on the Ledyard Community Forum. He stated Councilor  
Saums contacted the Ledyard Community Forum Administrators and he reported that they  
may be interested in bringing back Whining Wednesday and Thankful Thursday. He stated  
to keep the Community Forum on topic the Committee discussed asking open-ended  
questions to engage residents on topics such as: Where would you like to see Electric  
Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations in town; Do you think roadside trash is excessive in town;  
What town services would you like to know about; and Why do you Love Ledyard?; (3)  
Schedule for the coming year - Councilor Paul stated the Committee reviewed dates to  
present information to residents at the 2023 Summer Farmers Market. He noted the  
Committee discussed featuring the Library Services; Mental Health Awareness; and the  
Town’s First Responders; (4) Black History Month Essay and Poster Contest - Councilor  
Paul stated the deadline to submit entries closed today. He stated the contest winners would  
be recognized and awards would be presented at the Town Council’s March 8, 2023  
meeting. He concluded by noting the next Community Relations Committee meeting was  
scheduled for March 15, 2023 at 6:30 p.m.  
Councilor Saums stated the Community Relations Committee has only discussed and has not  
decided on Whining Wednesday or Thankful Thursday. He stated it would be a lot of work  
for the Ledyard Community Forum Administrators to host.  
Councilor Ingalls suggested the Community Relations Committee invite the Ledyard  
Community Forum Administrators to remind themselves of the reason the Whining  
Wednesday was shutdown, noting that often it would spin out of control. Councilor Paul  
noted that the reason the Committee discussed asking open-ended questions was to keep the  
conversation on topic. Councilor Saums stated the Ledyard Community Forum  
Administrators’ idea was to use a poll instead of a free-for-all. Councilor Paul explained the  
intent was to obtain topics that residents were interested in, that they could then host an  
Informal Conversation with residents at one of the town’s parks to engage residents.  
.
RESULT:  
Finance Committee  
3.  
Councilor Saums stated the Finance Committee met on February 15, 2023 and in  
addition to the items on tonight’s agenda that Finance Director Matthew Bonin reported  
work continues on the Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Budget Preparation; and that the Town was  
still waiting on the healthcare consultant regarding estimated healthcare costs and options  
for the coming budget year.  
.
RESULT:  
Land Use/Planning/Public Works Committee  
4.  
Councilor Paul stated the LUPPW Committee has not met since the last Town Council meeting.  
.
RESULT:  
Ledyard Nursing Board  
5.  
6.  
Councilor McGrattan stated the Nursing Board met on February 21, 2023. She noted during  
each of their meetings one school nurse describes their day. She stated that she forwarded to  
the Town Council Gallup Hill School Nurse Nickie Allyn’s report noting that she did a great  
job telling the Board about her day  
Parks and Recreation Commission Fiscal Year 2022/2023  
Councilor Paul stated the Parks and Recreation Commission met on February 21, 2023 at  
the Parks & Recreation/Senior Citizens Center on Van Tassel Drive, and addressed the  
following: (1) Approved about $25,000 to install four motorized Hurricane Shutters on  
the building at Judge Crandall Park to prevent the water from getting into the building  
from the holes and gaps around the windows which has caused damage to the drywall;  
and (2) Pfizer Field New Scoreboard - Councilor Paul stated Ledyard Little League  
attended the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to discuss their plan to install a  
new scoreboard at Pfizer Field at their own expense. However, he stated because they  
would need to install a new utility pole at a cost of about $1,800 to bring the electricity to  
the scoreboard, that the Little League asked the Parks and Recreation Commission who  
would be responsible for the installation of the new utility pole. Councilor Paul went on  
to report that the Parks and Recreation approved the installation of the new scoreboard  
and the installation of a new utility pole at the Little League’s expense.  
Senior Citizens Commission  
7.  
Councilor Rodriguez stated the Senior Citizens Commission met earlier today and  
discussed the proposal to combine the Parks and Recreation Commission with the Senior  
Citizens Commission. Councilor Rodriguez stated Director of Parks and Recreation and  
Senior Citizens Scott Johnson, Jr. informed the Commission that a Public Hearing was  
scheduled for April 12, 2023 to receive comments on the proposed amendments to  
Ordinance #100-016 (rev 1) “An Ordinance Combining Parks And Recreation  
Commission and Senior Citizens Commission for the Town of Ledyard”. Councilor  
Rodriguez stated that she invited the Senior Citizens to attend the Public Hearing or to  
write a letter to the Town Council.  
XII. REPORT OF THE MAYOR  
REPORT OF THE MAYOR:  
Mayor Allyn, III, reported on the following: (1) Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Budget - Connecticut  
Conference of Municipalities (CCM) State Legislative Budget Meeting - Mayor Allyn stated  
at this week’s meeting they discussed the State’s proposed Bill to require Municipalities of  
10,000 residents or more to establish a Fair Rent Commission, noting that the Bill would  
apply to Ledyard. He stated the Fair Rent Commission was already in place for  
Municipalities of 25,000+ residents and now the State was looking to bring the required  
Commission to smaller Municipalities. He stated that he would be presenting written  
testimony in opposition to the unfunded Fair Rent Commission. He noted the challenge to  
find more volunteers that would have the background to serve in this capacity. He stated this  
would be another unfunded mandate from the State, noting that they were already faced with  
the Early Voting unfunded mandate, that required the town to have staff available ten hours  
a day, for five days a week, for two straight weeks; (2) Groton Utilities Annual Water  
Analysis Report - Mayor Allyn stated there were no reportable violations, noting the water  
was good. He stated Groton Utilities had one or two minor infractions last year, which they  
communicated to ratepayers, explaining that they were not of consequence; (3) Ribbon  
Cuttings - Mayor Allyn stated he along with some Town Councilors attended two Ribbon  
Cuttings on Saturday, February 18, 2023 for the following new businesses in Gales Ferry:  
(a) My Pets World at 10:00 a.m. in the Job Lot Plaza; and (b) Dollar General at 11:15  
a.m. He stated both events were well attended noting that there were a bunch of dogs at  
the Pet’s World Ribbon Cutting. He went on to state for the number of complaints the  
town received about having a Dollar General Store; that prior to the Ribbon Cutting he  
walked the aisles of the store and he saw about fifteen people with shopping carriages at  
11:15 a.m. He noted the Dollar General Store stocked several aisles with grocery items,  
which would be helpful for the residents in Gales Ferry. He wished both businesses  
success noting that the Dollar General Store was making a generous donation to the  
Board of Education of new books for the Elementary Schools; (3) Public Hearings - State  
House Bills; (a) House Bill Requiring Zoning Enforcement Officers to be (CAZEO)  
Certification by January 1, 2023 - Mayor Allyn stated that he submitted written testimony to  
support extending the period to 2024 or 2025; and to also allow newly hired Zoning  
Enforcement Officers to be able to enroll and start taking the classes. He stated the Bill as  
currently written required the Zoning Enforcement Officer to be CAZEO Certified before  
they begin employment; (b) House Bill Personal Property Taxation Issue at the Tribal  
Entities in both Ledyard and Montville - Mayor Allyn stated because the proposed House  
Bill only impacted two towns out of the States 169 Municipalities (Ledyard and Montville)  
there was only testimony from the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation; Mohegan Tribe,  
Town of Ledyard and Town of Montville; (4) Law Enforcement and Appreciation Day -  
Mayor Allyn stated as Councilor Rodriguez mentioned earlier this evening, he attended the  
event on Sunday, February 19, 2023. He stated it was a fantastic event, complementing  
Councilor Rodriguez and the whole Team that put the event together, noting that it was very  
well attended, and the Police Officers greatly appreciated the recognition and the event. He  
stated during a time when we need to appreciate the men and women in Blue it was nice to  
see the appreciate that was offered at the event; (5) Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Budget  
Preparation - Mayor Allyn stated budget work continues, noting that to date they have pared  
the budget increase down to a 3.2 mil increase, which he was not satisfied with, explaining  
that this number was before they added-in the Board of Education’s 1.1 mil increase. He  
stated they were working to reduce the impact of some needed capital items by not  
purchasing them this year, but rather postponing the purchases and allocating a smaller  
amount of money over the course of a few years to make the purchase. He also noted as  
Superintendent of Schools Jason Hartling mentioned earlier this evening during his  
presentation of the Board of Education’s proposed Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Budget that the  
Educational Cost Sharing (ECS) State Funding was expected to increase for next year.  
Mayor Allyn explained that a House Bill has been proposed that would require the State  
Legislature to speed up the rate at which they fund ECS to Municipalities. He suggested the  
Town Council review the Budget Transformation Committee Report of October, 2016  
relative to the “Nice to Have” versus “Necessity”. He also noted during this meeting with  
Ledyard’s State Delegation he expressed concern regarding Governor Lamont’s flat funded  
budget in this hyper-inflationary (6% - 8% inflation). He provided the following examples of  
cost escalations that included a +20% increase in fuel; +40% increase in electricity; +10% in  
healthcare costs which was about $6.10 million per year. He stated that he had more work to  
do on the budget before he delivered it to the Town Council on March 6, 2023; (6) Browns  
Crossing Bridge - Mayor Allyn stated after several years the Town officially took ownership  
of the Brown’s Crossing Bridge. He 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  
on Brown’s Crossing Road, Gales Ferry, from Genesee & Wyoming (G&W) Railroad,  
contingent upon the completion of construction and certification. He stated Public Works  
Director/Town Engineer Steve Masalin stayed on top of the project ensuring all of the  
final punch list items were addressed; (7) Lantern Hill Road-Whitford Brook Bridge State  
Grant Funding - Mayor Allyn stated with the executed Agreement with the State to receive  
the $3 million grant funding for the bridge and dam replacement and repairs that the Request  
for Qualifications (RFQ) for the engineering work has been publicized/posted; (8) American  
Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding - Electronic Message Boards ($70,000 Gales Ferry and  
Ledyard Center) - Mayor Allyn stated a Request for Proposals (RFP) has been  
publicized/posted for the two Electronic Message Boards. He noted that the town has been  
receiving proposals for the project and the that Bid Opening was scheduled for the first week  
for March; (9) MIS Director Retirement - Mayor Allyn stated MIS Director Reginal Brulotte  
who has been with the town for twenty years would be retiring on March 2, 2023. He stated  
the position has been offered to the MIS Technician Justin Dube, who has been second in  
command in the MIS Department. He stated Mr. Dube was excited to start in his new role as  
MIS Director noting that he was a hard worker. He went on to state that they were working  
to update the MIS Technician Job Description in preparation to fill the position. He stated in  
the hiring environment we were in that the town was fortunate to have Mr. Dube in-place.  
Questions to the Mayor -  
Councilor Ingalls addressed the former Budget Transformation Committee and she  
questioned whether it may be time to stand that Committee up again, noting that since  
they completed their work in 2016 and provided recommendations in their final Report, a  
lot has changed. Mayor Allyn explained that the Report provided Immediate Goals;  
Near-Term Goals; and Long-Term Goals. He stated most of the Immediate Goals and  
some of the Near Terms Goals have been addressed. He stated as Councilor Ingalls’s  
mentioned a lot has changed, and that he agreed it would be a good time to look at  
standing up the Budget Transformation Committee again. He stated that they need to  
look at: (1) What is the role of government; (2) Should the Town be engaged in this; and  
(3) Are we duplicating services somewhere else. He stated a copy of the Final Report  
would be provided to the Town Council.  
Councilor Rodriguez addressed the upcoming Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Budget preparation  
and she questioned whether the Mayor has heard from other towns on what their  
projected budget increases looked like for next year. Mayor Allyn stated Waterford’s  
proposed budget increase was at 8%; and that East Lyme’s budget was quite high, but  
that their First Selectman Kevin Serry just passed the Department’s proposed budget on  
to their Finance Board. However, he stated that he believed his job in Ledyard was to  
work to make adjustments before passing the proposed budget onto the Finance  
Committee for them to make further adjustments before presenting the proposed budget  
to the taxpayers. He noted as an example, that the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)  
included $23,000 to update the Police Department’s Duty Weapons. However, he stated  
because it was a taxpayer item that he asked the Police Department whether they could  
work with the weapons they had for another year, noting that the answer was “yes”;  
therefore, he stated this expense was removed from the budget. He noted another area  
where he was working to reduce the impact of some capital items that would be paid solely  
by tax dollars was by not purchasing them this year, but rather allocate a smaller amount of  
money over the course of a few years to make the purchase. Councilor Rodriguez stated  
because of the current economic environment, with the high costs in energy and other  
expenses, that the Ledyard’s proposed budget increase may be typical. Mayor Allyn  
stated he agreed with Councilor Rodriguez’s comments that because of inflation, at a  
minimum, that the upcoming budget year was going to be higher and that he was working  
to try to bring in a proposed budget that more palatable.  
Councilor Marshall addressed the proposed House Bill requiring Municipalities of 10,000  
or more to establish a Fair Rent Commission. He stated that he agreed with the Mayor, that  
this was something that should be done at the State level, noting that he believed that the  
State was overreaching. Mayor Allyn explained that the Fair Rent Commission would not  
only be required to oversee rent controls of a 4% maximum, that they would also be required  
to address complaints such as air quality or the condition of the apartment, etc. interact with  
the landlords to try to resolve matters, and also serve as the “Fining Authority” to levy fines  
against landlords that do not comply. He went on to comment that issues such as air quality  
and many other matters would fall under the Department of Health; and that he believed it  
was a slippery slope to ask volunteers to oversee this type of work, noting that he was not  
in-favor or the Bill. Chairman Dombrowski stated he has been following the Bill that would  
require Municipalities to establish a Fair Rent Commission and that he agreed with Mayor  
Allyn’s comments and position on the subject. He went on to comment that what he found  
interesting was that the State wanted Municipalities to be the Housing and Rental Authority,  
but yet the State wanted to take local Zoning Regulation away from the Municipalities.  
.
RESULT:  
XIII. OLD BUSINESS  
None.  
XIV. NEW BUSINESS  
Administration Committee  
MOTION to set a Hybrid (In-Person & Video Conference) Public Hearing date on April 12,  
2023 at 6:30 p.m. to be held in the Council Chambers, 741 Colonel Ledyard Highway, to receive  
comments and recommendations regarding a proposed amendments to Ordinance #100-016 (rev  
1) An Ordinance Combining Parks And Recreation Commission and Senior Citizens  
Commission For The Town Of Ledyard” as contained in draft dated December 14, 2022.  
1.  
Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor Rodriguez  
Discussion: Councilor Ingalls provided an overview of the process, noting that in accordance  
with Chapter III, Section 5 “Public Hearing on and Passage of Ordinances” of the Town Charter; a  
public hearing was required to be held prior to the adoption of an Ordinance/Ordinance  
Amendments.  
VOTE: 8 - 0 Approved and so declared  
APPROVED AND SO DECLARED  
Andra Ingalls  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
S. Naomi Rodriguez  
SECONDER:  
8
Dombrowski, Saums, Ingalls, Paul, Marshall, McGrattan, Rodriguez, and  
Irwin  
AYE:  
1
Ryan  
EXCUSED:  
Finance Committee  
MOTION to appropriate and transfer the Board of Education Fiscal Year 2021/2022 audited  
surplus of $448,253 from unrestricted fund balance as follows:  
2.  
·
$381,015 to Account #21070101-58250 (BOE Reserve Fund) in accordance with  
“Resolution Creating a Funding Mechanism for Making Annual Appropriations to a Capital  
Reserve Fund for the Board of Education” adopted on September 28, 1988; and  
·
$67,238 to Account #21070101-58262 (Track & Field Rental Reserve) (15% when surplus  
exceeds $250,000) in accordance with “Resolution Regarding The Establishment Of An Account  
For The Revenues Received From Leasing the Ledyard High School Multi-Use Facility” adopted  
on April 22, 2020.  
Moved by Councilor Saums, seconded by Councilor Ingalls  
Discussion: Councilor Saums stated the Finance Committee has spent a lot of time  
discussing the transfer of the Board of Education’s Fiscal Year 2021/2022 Operating Budget  
Surplus. He stated this was a routine transfer that was done every year, when Board of  
Education had an Operating Budget Surplus, noting that it was how they help to fund the  
School Buildings capital assets.  
However, Councilor Saums stated during the Fiscal Year 2021/2022 Budget year they had an  
issue with healthcare expenses which caused a significant shortfall on the General  
Government Budget side of the ledger. Therefore, he stated the question they have been  
discussing was whether there was actually a surplus and whether the funds should be  
transferred. He went on to explain the overrun in in the healthcare overrun was caused by an  
error in the calculation of the healthcare expenses, noting that mistakes were made along the  
way, that was crying out for a written procedure to be developed and put in place. He stated  
the Finance Director was working to draft a Procedure to make sure an error in the healthcare  
calculation does not happen again.  
Councilor Saums provided some additional background noting that he along with Mayor  
Allyn, III and Finance Director Matthew Bonin met with Superintendent of Schools Jason  
Hartling and Board of Education Director of Finance and Human Capital Rachel Moser met  
on February 1, 2023 to discuss the “Resolution Creating a Funding Mechanism for Making  
Annual Appropriations to a Capital Reserve Fund for the Board of Education” relative to the  
Board of Education’s Fiscal Year 2021/2022 operating budget surplus, healthcare short-fall  
and their options. He stated during their meeting they also discussed times when they have  
had underruns in expenses and the town saved money as a whole. He stated the bottom line  
was that it was one town and one pot of money, noting that there were not two pots of  
money, or two separate tax bills (one for the General Government and one for the Board of  
Education). Therefore, he stated the consensus of the Group and the Finance Committee at  
their February 25, 2023 meeting, was that the right thing to do was to follow the Resolution  
and transfer the Board of Education’s operating budget surplus to their Capital Account.  
Councilor Saums concluded by noting throughout this discussion that Councilor Ingalls has  
stressed the importance to get the written Procedure completed so that they do not have an  
issue going forward. He noted over the years there has been, and would be staff changes and  
they could refer to a written Procedure and would not have to rely on tribal knowledge for  
how to calculate healthcare costs, or to move money, and what needed to be done.  
Chairman Dombrowski stated in transferring these funds to the appropriate Board of  
Education Capital Accounts that they would be following the established procedures that  
they have today. He stated that they were not working to fix the transfer of the funds, but that  
they would be working to fix the issue with the calculation/funding of the healthcare  
expenses.  
Councilor Ingalls stated that she agreed with Chairman Dombrowski’s comments, noting that  
it would not behoove the town to write a Resolution and then ignore; or change it when it  
was not convenient.  
VOTE: 8 - 0 Approved and so declared  
APPROVED AND SO DECLARED  
Bill Saums  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
Andra Ingalls  
SECONDER:  
8
Dombrowski, Saums, Ingalls, Paul, Marshall, McGrattan, Rodriguez, and  
Irwin  
AYE:  
1
Ryan  
EXCUSED:  
MOTION to adopt proposed revisions to the “Resolution Establishing Administrator/Department  
Head Benefits” as contained in the draft dated February 15, 2023.  
3.  
Draft 2/15/2023  
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING  
ADMINISTRATOR/DEPARTMENT HEAD BENEFITS  
WHEREAS, The Town Council recognizes the need to compensate its  
Administrators/Department Heads in a fair and equitable manner;  
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Town Council reaffirms the practices,  
policies, plans and benefits set forth in the Town of Ledyard Employee Handbook which  
applies to all Employees, including Administrators/Department Heads and provides further  
that if the terms of this Resolution differ from the terms of the Town of Ledyard Employee  
Handbook, the provisions and terms of this Resolution shall apply exclusively.  
For the purpose of this Resolution, the Town Council Chairperson shall be the immediate  
supervisor of the Administrative Assistant to the Town Council; the Chairperson of the  
Town Council Finance Committee shall be the immediate supervisor for the Town  
Treasurer; the Director of Finance shall be the immediate supervisor for the Assistant  
Director of Finance; the Mayor shall be the immediate supervisor for all other  
Administrators/Department Heads.  
All benefits are computed based on a 40 hour work week. Benefits for employees working  
less than 40 hours will be pro-rated based on a 40 hour work week.  
As of the date of this revision there are 17 non-union positions covered by the Administrator  
/Department Head Resolution:  
1.  
Town Clerk  
2. Director of Finance  
3. Assistant Director of Finance/Treasurer  
4. Director of Administrative Services/Mayoral Assistant  
1.  
Director of Human Resources  
2. Administrator of Emergency Services  
3. Director of Civil Preparedness and Emergency Management  
4. Library Director  
5. Public Health Nursing Administrative Supervisor  
6. Director of Parks and Recreation  
7. Public Works Director/Town Engineer  
8. Director of Planning and Development  
9. Administrative Assistant to the Town Council  
10. WPCA Wastewater Operations Supervisor  
11. Mayor *  
12. Chief of Police **  
13. Police Captain **  
*
Elected position. Applicable sections of this Resolution are limited to insurance,  
pension, and workers compensation.  
** Appointed/Contracted Position. Applicable sections of this Resolution are limited to  
those not specifically covered in the contract.  
Note: At times some of the positions listed above may be unfilled, combined, or contracted.  
Appropriate adjustments to benefits will be made in these circumstances.  
LEAVES AND ABSENCES  
All leaves and absences are based on a 40 hour work week. Leave and absences for  
employees working less than 40 hours will be pro-rated based on a 40 hour work week.  
VACATION  
See Personnel Handbook  
SPECIAL LEAVE  
Special Holiday leave shall be granted on the days, or portions thereof, listed below:  
a.  
b.  
December 24, whenever it occurs on a Monday;  
December 24, after having worked one-half of their normal daily work schedule,  
whenever it occurs on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday;  
c. December 26, whenever it occurs on a Friday;  
d. December 31, whenever it occurs on a Monday;  
e.  
December 31, after having worked one-half of their normal daily work schedule,  
whenever it occurs on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday;  
f. January 2, whenever it occurs on a Friday.  
The above Holiday leave may be adjusted based on Town Hall schedules; e.g. if union  
contracts are negotiated to allow the Town Hall to be open on any of these days  
compensatory time-off may be granted.  
The Administrators/Department Heads whose duties and responsibilities require them to  
work during periods of special leave shall be eligible for equivalent amounts of  
compensatory time off.  
LEAVE OF ABSENCE WITHOUT PAY  
All requests for a Leave of Absence Without Pay must be made in writing and approved in  
advance by the Mayor. If the leave is for more than five (5) days in any one month, the  
Administrator/Department Head shall not earn sick or vacation leave for that month. The  
Administrator/Department Head shall not be paid for any holiday or special leave day which  
may occur during the Leave of Absence Without Pay. In order to qualify to be paid for a  
holiday or a special leave day, an Administrator/Department Head who has been on a Leave  
of Absence Without Pay must have worked the last work day directly preceding said holiday  
or special leave day.  
SICK LEAVE TERMINATION  
Upon termination of service from the Town of Ledyard, all unused sick leave up to a  
maximum of fifty (50) days will be paid to the Administrator/Department Head in a lump  
sum payment, provided the individual has been an Employee of the Town for a minimum of  
ten (10) years, and said Administrator/Department Head is not terminated for cause.  
Employees hired on or after July 1, 2014 with a minimum of ten (10) consecutive years of  
service will upon termination be paid for a maximum of twenty (20) days.  
PERSONAL LEAVE  
Each Administrator/Department Head shall be entitled to three (3) personal leave days  
annually without loss of pay, provided such Administrator/Department Head notifies the  
Supervisor at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance, except in the case of a personal  
emergency. Personal days may be used in conjunction with a holiday or vacation provided a  
two (2) week written notice is supplied to the Supervisor and provided approval is granted by  
the Supervisor. During an Employee’s first fiscal year, he or she shall be eligible for one (1)  
personal day for every four (4) months worked.  
COMPENSATORY TIME  
Administrator/Department Heads may, with the advanced approval of the Supervisor or  
Mayor, be provided compensation in the form of compensatory time at the rate of one hour  
of compensatory time for each hour worked in excess of the maximum work week of each  
employee. Salaried exempt employees shall be eligible for compensatory time off for work  
performed which is beyond the normal scope of duties. All compensatory time must be  
taken within three months, unless otherwise approved by immediate supervisor.  
Compensatory time which is not taken within three months of accrual will be forfeited.  
INSURANCE  
The Town shall continue to provide eligible Employees and their dependents substantially  
similar group health and dental insurance coverage and benefits as exist in the Town’s  
conventional insurance plan. The Town reserves the right to change or provide alternate  
insurance carriers, health maintenance organizations, or benefit levels or to self-insure as it  
deems appropriate for any form or portion of insurance coverage, so long as the new  
coverage and benefits are substantially similar to the conventional insurance. The Town will  
not be responsible for changes unilaterally imposed by an insurance provider so long as the  
Town uses its best efforts to minimize changes by incumbent insurance providers from one  
plan year to another.  
a. Each Employee shall be responsible for fifty percent (50%) of the cost of the dental  
plan for spouse or family coverage, and the applicable Employee contribution  
rate, as set forth below, for the Employee’s dental coverage.  
b. The Town will purchase for each Employee at no cost to Employee, life insurance  
which in the event of death of the Employee while employed by the Town, will  
provide a benefit of $50,000 or a sum equivalent to the Employee’s base salary,  
whichever is less.  
c. Effective with the adoption of this Resolution, each Employee shall be responsible  
for ten percent (10%) of the applicable conventional premium rate (COBRA rate)  
determined by the insurance carrier or administrator for all health and dental  
insurance benefits, excluding life insurance. An Employee with individual  
coverage shall have deducted from his/her monthly wages ten percent (10%) of  
the monthly conventional premium rate (COBRA rate) for individual coverage.  
An Employee and spouse or an Employee and eligible dependent, (two person  
coverage classification), shall have deducted from his/her monthly wages ten  
percent (10%) of the monthly conventional premium rate (COBRA rate) for such  
two person coverage. An Employee with family coverage shall have deducted  
from his/her monthly wages ten percent (10%) of the monthly conventional  
premium rate (COBRA rate) for family coverage.  
Effective with the adoption of this Resolution, each employee shall be  
responsible for the percentage of  
the applicable conventional premium rate c.determined  
by  
the  
insurance carrier or administrator for all health and dental benefits as outlined in  
Paragraph d below.  
d. Effective July 1, 2010 and each July 1 following, the co-insurance and co-pay  
contributions shall be the same as the lowest negotiated Town Hall labor contracts  
effective on that date.  
e. Employees may elect to waive all group insurance benefits, and in lieu thereof, be  
remunerated in the amount of twenty-five percent (25%) of the actual premium  
saved.  
f. Employees are required to notify Human Resources of significant changes to  
circumstances affecting insurance, including but not limited to births, death of  
dependents, marriage, adoptions, divorce, or change in eligibility of dependents.  
PENSION  
Employees hired prior to July 1, 2009 may be eligible to participate in the town’s Defined  
Benefit Pension Plan. Details of this plan are provided in the Defined Benefit Summary Plan  
Description which will be provided to all eligible employees.  
Employees hired on or after July 1, 2009 may be eligible to participate in the town's Defined  
Contribution Pension Plan. Details of this plan are provided in the Defined Contribution  
Summary Plan Description which will be provided to all eligible employees.  
Effective July 1, 2014 employees eligible for the Defined Contribution Plan will be  
auto-enrolled at an employee contribution rate of 3% of base salary effective the first day  
of the first full quarter of the fiscal year after the hire date. Unless the employee directs  
the town otherwise, the employee minimum contribution rate will increase by 1% on July  
1st each year until an employee contribution rate of 15% is achieved. Employees have  
the right to opt-out of or modify the auto-enrollment by notifying Human Resources  
within 90 days after the actions are effective. The Town will match the employee’s  
contributions up to a rate equal to the highest rate negotiated by Town Hall labor contracts  
currently in effect on July 1st of each fiscal year.  
Effective July 1, 2022 employees eligible for the Defined Contribution Plan will be  
automatically enrolled at date of hire at a contribution rate of ten percent (10%) of base  
salary. The Town will match the employee’s contribution effective six months after the  
date of hire.  
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION  
If an Employee is injured in the performance of his or her duties or is otherwise qualified for  
benefits under the Workers’ Compensation Act, the net after tax difference between his or  
her regular base pay and Workers’ Compensation shall be paid by the Employer for a period  
not to exceed six (6) months or until maximum recovery is attained (whichever is first.)  
Until a determination is made as to the eligibility for Workers’ Compensation payments,  
absences shall be charged, at the Employee’s option, to accumulated sick leave and/or  
vacation time, provided eligibility requirements are met. The Employee’s time will be  
credited when compensation becomes effective.  
Notwithstanding the above, if the Town, in its sole discretion, advances pay before an  
eligibility determination is made, and the Employee is thereafter found ineligible or the  
Employee’s eligibility is terminated for any reason, the deficiency shall be charged at the  
Employee’s option to accumulated sick leave and/or accumulated vacation leave. However,  
if an Employee has not accumulated sufficient sick and/or annual leave to cover the period  
of absence, the Employee shall be considered on leave with pay and shall be required to  
repay the Town for any salary advanced while on leave with pay in the following manner:  
a. Sick Leave  
b.  
Vacation  
c. Personal Leave  
d. Incentives  
e. Wages  
f. Welfare Benefits  
WAGES AND COMPENSATION  
Employees shall be paid at the rate as designated by the Mayor or contractually  
negotiated. Increases in wages shall be effective on the first day of July; and  
continuing until June 30, 2025, wage increases may not be less than the percentage of  
the highest union contracted increase for that fiscal year.  
Employees required to be available via cell phone outside of regular work hours who  
are not issued a Town cell phone, shall receive a monthly stipend for usage of their  
personal cell phone at a rate equivalent to the highest stipend paid to any of the  
Town’s bargaining units.  
With the implementation of this Resolution, retroactive reimbursement for wages and  
personal cell phones shall be paid to employees who were on staff as of July 1, 2022.  
EDUCATION AND TRAINING  
The Administrator/Department Head shall be reimbursed for travel expenses, meals,  
lodging, registration fees and other appropriate expenses as may be required when attending  
professional meetings, training and/or conducting Town business, provided prior approval to  
attend such meeting and incur such expenses is obtained from the immediate supervisor.  
Any Administrator/Department Head who successfully completes an education or vocational  
course approved, in advance, by the immediate supervisor shall be reimbursed the cost of  
such courses up to a maximum of fifty percent (50%) not to exceed One Thousand Dollars  
($1,000) per year. Courses eligible for reimbursement must be at an accredited college or  
university and directly relate to the Administrator/Department Head’s professional  
development. Employees who receive tuition reimbursement shall remain in the  
employment of the Town for one year following completion of the course or shall be  
required to reimburse the tuition.  
LONGEVITY  
In return for good and faithful service to the Town, each Administrator/Department Head  
shall receive the following longevity payments:  
a.  
b.  
Ten years, but less than fifteen years  
Fifteen years, but less than twenty years  
$250.00 $350.00  
$350.00 $450.00  
c. Twenty or more years  
$450.00 $550.00  
Payment shall be paid in one lump sum annually on the pay date nearest the  
Administrator/Department Head’s anniversary date of employment.  
Employees hired after July 1, 2014 shall not be eligible for Longevity payments.  
TRIENNIAL REVIEW  
The terms of this Resolution shall be reviewed every three (3) years from its adoption  
date by the Administrator/Department Heads and Town Council.  
Adopted by the Ledyard Town Council on: __________________.  
_______________________  
Kevin J. Dombrowski, Chairman  
*************************************************************************  
Revisions: March 10, 1989; July 13, 1998; September 26, 1990; January 27, 1993; October 8,  
2003; May 28, 2014; January 13, 2016.  
History:  
2022: Updated the titles of the following positions:  
Librarian to Library Director; Assistant Finance Director to include Treasurer; Police Lieutenant  
to Police Capitan.  
Insurance Section paragraph (c): Removed/replaced the following language  
Effective with the adoption of this Resolution, each Employee shall be responsible for ten percent  
(10%) of the applicable conventional premium rate (COBRA rate) determined by the insurance  
carrier or administrator for all health and dental insurance benefits, excluding life insurance. An  
Employee with individual coverage shall have deducted from his/her monthly wages ten percent  
(10%) of the monthly conventional premium rate (COBRA rate) for individual coverage. An  
Employee and spouse or an Employee and eligible dependent, (two person coverage classification),  
shall have deducted from his/her monthly wages ten percent (10%) of the monthly conventional  
premium rate (COBRA rate) for such two person coverage. An Employee with family coverage  
shall have deducted from his/her monthly wages ten percent (10%) of the monthly conventional  
premium rate (COBRA rate) for family coverage.  
(New Language): Effective with the adoption of this Resolution, each employee shall be  
responsible for the percentage of the applicable conventional premium rate determined by the  
insurance carrier or administrator for all health and dental benefits as outlined in Paragraph d  
below.  
Pension Section: Removed/replaced the following language:  
Effective July 1, 2014 employees eligible for the Defined Contribution Plan will be auto-enrolled at  
an employee contribution rate of 3% of base salary effective the first day of the first full quarter of  
the fiscal year after the hire date. Unless the employee directs the town otherwise, the employee  
minimum contribution rate will increase by 1% on July 1st each year until an employee contribution  
rate of 15% is achieved. Employees have the right to opt-out of or modify the auto-enrollment by  
notifying Human Resources within 90 days after the actions are effective. The Town will match the  
employee’s contributions up to a rate equal to the highest rate negotiated by Town Hall labor  
contracts currently in effect on July 1st of each fiscal year.  
Effective July 1, 2022 employees eligible for the Defined Contribution Plan will be automatically  
enrolled at date of hire at a contribution rate of ten percent (10%) of base salary. The Town will  
match the employee’s contribution effective six months after the date of hire.  
Added New Section : “Wages and Compensation”.  
Longevity Section: Updated longevity payments as follows:  
a.  
b.  
Ten years, but less than fifteen years  
Fifteen years, but less than twenty years  
$250.00 $350.00  
$350.00 $450.00  
c. Twenty or more years  
$450.00 $550.00  
(New Section): Triennial Review: The terms of this Resolution shall be reviewed and  
acknowledged every three (3) years from its adoption date by the Administrator/Department  
Heads and Town Council; and shall remain in place until further action is agreed upon by  
both parties.  
Moved by Councilor Saums, seconded by Councilor Ingalls  
Discussion: Councilor Saums stated the Finance Committee spent a lot of time discussing  
the proposed updates to the “Resolution Establishing Administrator/Department Head Benefits”,  
specifically, the following language: “wage increases may not be less than the percentage of  
the highest union contracted increase for that fiscal year”. He stated while the Finance  
Committee understood the intent, that they had concerns regarding the possible long-term  
and unintended consequences.  
Councilor Saums stated that the Finance Committee recognized that there were a number of  
years in which the Department Heads received zero and 2% wage increases; when bargained  
for employees received more than zero or more than 2% increases. He went on to state that  
the belief was that Ledyard’s Department Heads’ pay has fallen behind their peers’ pay in  
surround towns. He stated proof of this wage issue was when the town has had a Department  
Head retire or resign, they have had to pay the new replacement significantly more than the  
person who had all the knowledge and experience in the job. He commented that this  
indicated that there was something wrong with how Ledyard was paying their Department  
Heads. He stated the intent and acknowledgement of the Finance Committee was that they  
probably needed to do something about the Department Heads’ compensation. However, he  
stated the Finance Committee did not think that having an automatic mechanism was the  
right way to do it.  
Councilor Saums went on to state that the Finance Committee discussed surveying  
surrounding towns to see not only what their heads of their departments were getting paid but  
to find out what they do. He stated the second part of the survey was very important because  
no two jobs were alike among towns. He noted as an example Ledyard’s Public Works  
Director was also the Town Engineer and he had a Highway Superintendent supporting him,  
noting that other towns could have four, five, or six people doing that job and they were not  
also doing the work of the Town Engineer. Therefore, he stated they could not just call a  
neighboring town and ask what they pay specific positions, noting that they would need to  
ask a lot of questions; and he stated that this was going to take some time.  
Councilor Saums stated the Finance Committee talked with the Administrator of Human  
Resources Don Steinhoff about a couple of ides and they settled on the idea of accepting the  
Department Heads proposed language for three years: “wage increases may not be less than  
the percentage of the highest union contracted increase for that fiscal year”, noting that  
conceptually that would put the Department Heads wages closer to about where they should  
be. However, he stated to avoid the law of unintended consequences, the Finance Committee  
added the following language to sunset the clause after three years “….and continuing until  
June 30, 2025”. He stated the Department Heads were happy with the Finance Committee’s  
proposal. He stated what was not included in the Resolution was that a Salary Survey for  
Department Heads would be conducted so that the town could accurate evaluate what they  
should be paying their employees.  
Councilor Saums continued to explain that the proposed revisions to the “Resolution  
Establishing Administrator/Department Head Benefits” also addressed providing a stipend for  
cell phones and there were also changes in how the Department Heads paid for their healthcare.  
Councilor Ingalls stated that she wanted to repeat the comments she made at the Finance  
Committee’s February 15, 2023 meeting. She stated budgets were a value statement. She  
stated by putting numbers into a budget that they were communicating their values,  
priorities, what the community needed and the things they think were important. She stated  
because there were always multiple needs pulling on the same pot of money there were  
tensions. She stated part of that pulling/tension was stewarding their tax dollars and  
stewarding their professionals. She stated the town’s professionals were paid with tax dollars  
and that some of those tax dollars were being demanded of people who could not afford to  
pay somebody else’s pay increases. She stated every time she voted “yes” on these types of  
decisions that she feels the tension, noting that she feels the need to take care of our staff  
and that she feels the ach of someone who cannot afford to pay somebody else’s pay  
increase; and that she knows everyone on the Town Council feels the same way. She stated  
the reality of working with the budget was that it affects people. She stated that they were  
always working to try to find that balance, noting that they cannot be absorbent, and at the  
same time they cannot be dismissive of the skill set that was being brought to the town.  
Councilor Ingalls continued by noting that Councilor Saums’ comments were spot-on, noting  
that something was wrong if the town has someone retire with a body of knowledge and they  
have to increase the pay just to get someone in the position, who presumably would have less  
experience or knowledge as it pertained to Ledyard.  
Mayor Allyn, III, noted Councilor Saums’ and Councilor Ingalls’ comments about the  
replacement of dedicated employees who retire with someone who had less town knowledge  
at a higher salary, commenting that was the hardest part. He noted an example of this was  
when someone retires, like the former Tax Collector, who served the town for so many years;  
noting that she found a real disaster, she righted the ship, and brought the tax collection rate  
up an incredible number. He stated when she retired the town paid the next person in the  
door more than what the former employee was being paid when they retired, and he  
commented that this slap in the face to the person who has put the effort in for a number of  
years.  
Councilor Saums stated during the School Superintendent’s Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Budget  
presentation earlier this evening, that he had the same thoughts that Councilor Ingalls  
expressed. He stated he was thinking that the taxpayers cannot afford an increase; or if they  
can afford it that they do not want to pay it. However, he stated at the same time they have to  
look at what was happening to their kids. He stated that they have to strike a balance, noting  
that they have to get the kids the education they need, because they were going to produce  
and pay the taxes down the road; and at the same time, they have to be sensitive to those who  
have to pay for that education.  
Councilor Paul stated that he appreciated the comments made this evening. He stated from a  
layman perspective that every time he hears about a tax increase that his heart sinks. He  
stated these are the types of things he talks about with residents, noting that it comes down to  
money. However, he stated they have a responsibility to provide education and services to  
the town.  
Councilor Rodriguez stated that if they do not hire qualified people that it would also cost the  
town money, noting that having qualified employees was an investment in their town.  
Chairman Dombrowski noted both Councilor Saums’ and Councilor Ingalls’ comments, and  
he stated by making an investment in their employees that they were making an investment  
for their residents and for the town, but at the same time he stated they needed to be careful  
not to over burdening their residents. He also addressed the importance to recognize the skill  
set of their employees and to make sure they were compensated at a point in which they  
wanted to continue work and produce for the town. However, he stated at the same time they  
have to recognize that it was the residents of the town who have to pay for it. He stated this  
was the difficult challenge they had serving as members of the Town Council.  
Councilor Ingalls noted earlier this evening the Mayor made a good point on another topic  
stating that he questioned: “What was the role of local government?”. She stated although  
this was a philosophical conversation that this was a question that always needed to be on the  
table.  
Councilor Marshall stated to put this conversation in a different perspective that it costs him  
$110.00 per week for the privilege to live in Ledyard. He stated for someone who was retired  
on a fixed income or who did not earn a lot of money that an increase of $5.00 per week  
could be difficult. He noted when the Town Council served as the Water Pollution Control  
Authority they had ratepayers tell them that they could not afford another $3.00 a month,  
noting that something else would have to go in order to pay that bill.  
Councilor Ingalls stated that she was going to vote “yes” on the revisions to the “Resolution  
Establishing Administrator/Department Head Benefits” noting that their Department Heads  
deserve to be well paid, but at the same time her heart was aching.  
Mayor Allyn stated the Department Heads were the glue that holds the town’s operations  
together. He stated Administrator of Human Resources Don Steinhoff was a good example of  
that. He stated if the town had an issue, it doesn’t matter what day of the week it was or what  
time of the day it was Mr. Steinhoff would be here. He stated Mr. Steinhoff was not alone in this  
dedication, noting that he was just one example. He stated the Department Heads put in the time,  
when ever the time was required, to get the job done.  
VOTE: 8 - 0 Approved and so declared  
General Business  
Discuss Work Session Items as time permits.  
None  
4.  
XV. ADJOURNMENT  
Councilor Rodriguez moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilor Ingallsl  
VOTE: 89 - 0 Approved and so declared. The meeting adjourned at 7:31 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 February 22, 2023.  
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.