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, April 12, 2023

7:00 PM

Town Hall Council Chambers

In-Person: Council Chambers Town Hall Annex

Remote: Information noted below:

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CALL TO ORDER

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

Hall Annex Building.

Chairman Dombrowski welcomed all to the Hybrid Meeting. He stated for the members

of the Town Council and the Public who were participating via video conference that the

remote meeting information was available on the Agenda that was posted on the Town’s

Website - Granicus-Legistar Meeting Portal.

II.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

ROLL CALL

III.

Chairman Kevin Dombrowski

Councilor Bill Saums

Present:

Councilor Andra Ingalls

Councilor Gary Paul

Councilor Mary K. McGrattan

Councilor S. Naomi Rodriguez

Councilor Whit Irwin

Councilor John Marshall

Councilor Tim Ryan

Excused:

IV.

PRESENTATIONS

None.

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

MINUTES

None.

VI.

COMMITTEE COMMISSION AND BOARD REPORTS

None.

VII. COMMENTS OF TOWN COUNCILORS

Councilor Saums stated “Happy Spring!”

VIII. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION to approve the Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes of March 22, 2023.

Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor Rodriguez

VOTE:

7 - 0 Approved and so declared

IX.

COMMUNICATIONS

Communications List-April 12, 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 the Administration Committee met earlier this evening and

addressed the following: (1) Met the new Administrator of Human Resources Marisa

Rodriguez; (2) Planning & Zoning Commission - The Committee recommended moving

Alternate Member Mr. St. Vil to a Regular Member; and (3) Employee Handbook Update -

The Committee reviewed the Employee Handbook which had not been updated since the

1990’s and forwarded it to the Town Council’s April 26, 2023 meeting for

consideration/action.

RESULT:

Community Relations Committee

.2.

Councilor Paul stated the Community Relations Committee has not met since the last Town

Council meeting. He stated the Committee will be meeting on April 19, 2023 at 6:30 p.m.

and he invited residents to attend.

RESULT:

Finance Committee

.3.

Councilor Saums stated the Finance Committee met on April 5, 2023 and he noted in

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

(1) Board of Education Roof Projects Bid Waiver - Councilor Saums stated the Committee

reviewed a request from the Permanent Municipal Building Committee (PMBC) to grant a

bid waiver to STV Construction Inc., because only two proposals were received in response

to Bid #LPS 23-01 (Owner’s Representative Services for Select Capital Projects). He

explained that the PMBC had recommended STV Construction Inc., (original proposal

$141,470) over Colliers Project Leaders ($63,301), who was currently working with the

PMBC and the Board of Education to close out the Schools Consolidation/Improvement

Projects (Middle School & Gallup Hill School) in preparation for the State’s Project Audit

which was required for the town to receive their Grant Reimbursement funding. He stated

STV Construction Inc., proposed having a person on-site throughout the roof projects (Board

of Education Central Office and Juliet W. Long School); however, Colliers Project Leaders

did not think a full-time inspector on-site was necessary. He stated the Finance Committee

expressed concern that the PMBC negotiated a lower price with STV Construction Inc., but

that did not ask Colliers Project Leaders to provide a cost update to have a person on-site

full-time, which the Finance Committee agreed was a good idea. He stated for these reasons

the Finance Committee withdrew the motion, noting that the PMBC would ask Colliers

Project Leaders to submit a bid for services similar to those proposed by STV Construction

Inc., to provide a fair and equitable process. He stated the Finance Committee would then

reconsider a bid waiver for Bid #LPS 23-01 (Owner’s Representative Services for Select

Capital Projects) thereafter; (2) Bottle Bill Surcharge Revenues - Councilor Saums stated the

Finance Committee discussed ideas on how to spend the revenues received from Public Act

No.21-58 “An Act Concerning Solid Waste Management” in accordance with “Resolution

Regarding Revenues Received from Beverage Container Surcharges” adopted on June 8,

2022. He stated the ideas included the following: (a) Pay residents 0.25 cents per nip bottle

they pick-up from the roads, until the money was used up; (b) Community Roadside

Clean-up Day that would include a contest for various categories such as Strangest Item

Collected, Most Nip Bottles Collected, etc. He stated all the nip bottles would need to be in

see thru bags that would be provided by Southeastern Connecticut Regional Resource

Recovery Authority (SCRRRA) to provide payment; or win a competition; (c) Delivering the

bags of nip bottles to Harford to make a statement about the problem of nip bottles was

mentioned. Councilor Saums stated the ideas were tabled for further discussion; (3) National

Opioid Settlement Payments - Councilor Saums the Committee also discussed ideas on how

to use the revenues received from the National Opioid Settlement to combat opioid

addiction, which included donating some funding to the Ledyard Prevention Coalition,

Ledyard Public Health Nursing; Ledyard Youth Services for Addiction Counselors; Buying

Narcan; Funding Counselors for Ledyard Public Schools; and Donating Funds to

Organizations Outside Ledyard; (4) Ledyard Visiting Nurse Agency (LVNA) - Councilor

Saums stated the Committee discussed the financial viability of the LVNA, which was once

a revenue source for the town, but after several years of losses, due to large healthcare

organizations directing patients to use their own visiting nursing services, without

mentioning Ledyard VNA as an option, that revenue gains have become losses, with the

expenditures out pacing revenues. He stated including the cost of benefits that the town has

lost money providing visiting nurse services since Fiscal Year 2018/2019. He stated the

Mayor has met with several large healthcare organizations without success to encourage

them to refer patients to Ledyard VNA; however, none have committed to doing so. He

stated the projected losses for Fiscal Year 2023/2024 were $355,365 (with employee benefits

calculated in). He stated the Town Council had a difficult decision to make for the upcoming

budget cycle (fy 23/23) because Ledyard VNA provided excellent service to residents, yet

fewer and fewer residents were aware of these services as each year passes.

RESULT:

Land Use/Planning/Public Works Committee

.4.

Councilor Paul stated the LUPPW Committee met on April 3, 2023 and in addition to the item

on tonight’s agenda the Committee continued its work to update the Assignment of

Administrative Oversight of Town-Owned and Town-Leased Properties. He stated the

Committee planned to finalize the List at their May 1, 2023 and forward it to the Town Council

for action.

RESULT:

Water Pollution Control Authority

Councilor Saums stated the WPCA met on April 28, 2023 and addressed the following: (1)

Connecticut Community Challenge Grant Program - The WPCA approved to apply for the

Connecticut Community Challenge Grant Program for both the Ledyard Center Sewer

Extension Project and for a watermain on Baldwin Hill Road, which had at least one resident

with a dry well; and that more residents would likely see their go dry in the future; (2)

Environmental Protection Agency Public Water Supply Recommendations - The WPCA

reviewed EPA recommendations for limiting six PFA Chemicals and other Chemicals in

public water supplies. The proposed rules would require public systems to monitor for these

chemicals and notify the public of the PFA Chemicals levels to reduce the level of PFA

Chemicals in drinking water if they exceed the proposed standards. Councilor Saums stated

that Groton Utilities samples the Reservoir Water and has found no evidence of the PFA

Chemicals in the water. However, it was believed that water treatment could potentially add

PFA Chemicals to public water supplies. He stated that additional work was being done on

the new standards and that the EPA has advised that drinking water should contain no more

than .004 parts per trillion of PFA Chemicals; and no more than .02 parts of another PFA

Chemical. He noted that the EPA previously advised that drinking water contain no more 70

parts per trillion. He stated it was believed that there was no current methods or technology

available to measure these levels; (3) Solar Panels - Wastewater Treatment Facility - Town

Farm Road - The Town Attorney was continuing to gather data regarding the solar panel

issue; (4) Southeastern Connecticut Water Authority (SCWA) Easement - Councilor Saums

stated there has been no further action by SCWA regarding their request for an easement on

town property to renew their Ledyard Center Well; (5) Multi-Model Use Path and Sewer

Line Project - There were no specifications in the Multi-Model Use Path and Sewer Line

Project Plan for future construction for the Habitat of Humanity’s Plan to construct

40-homes on Colby Drive. Councilor Saums explained that the issue was that Habit for

Humanity did not have the funding at this time to pay for the installation of a stub. He also

stated that it was mentioned that the Plans did not include a stub for the property behind the

former Ledyard Center School. He stated when the Route 117 Project was done that a lot of

thought went into where stubs would be needed. However, he stated this type of planning

has not been done on this sewer line extension project. He suggested a solution would be to

install the two stubs and place a lien on the properties, which the property owner could pay

at a later time. However, he stated the town did not have the money to put in the two stubs.

Mayor Allyn, III, stated he has discussed the installation of the stubs with WPCA Chairman

Ed Lynch, noting that he believed installing the stubs during the construction and placing an

assessment lien on the properties would be the best approach to avoid having to dig up brand

new pavement (sewer project) and new sidewalks (multi model pathway) that would be

completed as part of these $3 million Projects. He stated both Developers were going to

need the sewer line, therefore, he did not think they would take issue with the town installing

the stubs and placing an assessment lien on the properties; (6) Cost-of-Service Study -

Councilor Saums stated Groton Utilities has offered to conduct a Cost-of-Service Study,

which would begin with a Financial Study and a Projection specific to the Revenue

Requirements for the WPCA Water and Sewer Systems. From there Groton Utilities would

work with the WPCA to develop a Rate Structure and Rate Track to meet the revenue

requirements for both long and short-term. The WPCA would be required to pay for the cost

of an external consultant for the Study He stated this work would require a signification time

commitment from the Town’s Finance Department to support the Cost-of-Service Study. He

stated the WPCA has requested that Groton Utilities provide a time and cost proposal for the

Cost-of-Service Study. Councilor Saums explained setting rates was a complex process

especially between water and sewer because they cannot measure what was going into the

sewer. He stated the Cost of Services Study was a good idea, noting that although they could

not make the WPCA profitable, that they could make it more cost effective, which would

stave off future rate increases; (7) WPCA Water and Sewer Assets - Councilor Saums stated

the WPCA has not received any further communication from Groton Utilities regarding their

interest to purchase the Town of Ledyard’s water and sewer assets.

Councilor Ingalls addressed Groton Utilities’ interest to purchase the Town’s water and

sewer assets and she questioned the date of the Groton Utilities communication. Councilor

Saums stated the last communication the WPCA received from Groton Utilities regarding

their interest to purchase Ledyard’s water and sewer assets was around the beginning of this

calendar year (2023). He went on to explain that the State wanted regional consolidation

between utilities, noting that there were some very small utilities throughout the state. He

stated as Ledyard saw when Groton Utilities began to maintain their systems they gained a

number of efficiencies, better service, fewer breaks, and a brand-new water treatment plant,

etc. He stated the larger the utility the more they could invest and the better service they

could provide. He stated that Groton Utilities also proposed conducting the Cost-of-Service

Study, noting that the two (purchasing the water and sewer assets and the study) could be

connected, stating that it would be helpful to know the value of Ledyard’s assets/system.

Councilor McGrattan questioned the cost for the Cost-of-Service Study. Councilor Saums

stated that Groton Utilities would be providing the WPCA a proposal for the cost of the

Cost-of-Service Study and the amount of time that would be required from the Finance

Department. Mayor Allyn, III, stated the timing of the work to assist with the

Cost-of-Service Study would also be important, noting that they would not want to be

putting more demands on the Finance Department during the Annual Audit work, or during

the Annual Budget preparation. Therefore, he stated during the summer months would

probably be the best time, if they could move that quickly on the Cost-of-Service Study.

RESULT:

Economic Development Commission

Councilor Paul stated the EDC met on April 4, 2023 and they discussed the following: (1)

Business Directory- Councilor Paul stated the Directory was nearly complete and that it

looked awesome; noting that they were working on some final touches such as the

businesses that fall into two classifications, etc.; (2) Attracting Businesses to Ledyard -

Curb Appeal Plan - Councilor Paul stated the EDC discussed the importance to clean up

blighted properties. He stated Land Use Director Juliet Hodge suggested publicizing

Ledyard’s new Zoning Regulations on the town’s website or on social media sites,

noting that it would help developers know what they could do in Ledyard; (3)

Yale-Harvard Regatta June 10, 2023 - Councilor Paul stated the EDC was working on

the Yale-Harvard Regatta Festival, noting that there would be a lot of Food Trucks, etc.

Agricultural Commission

Councilor Rodriguez stated Agricultural Commission Chairman Bruce Garstka sent an

e-mail dated April 4, 2023 to the Mayor, Town Council and other Land Use

Commissions asking that they support the preservation of the Clark Farm Property for

continued agricultural use.

Chairman Dombrowski stated the Town Council would take the Agricultural

Commissions request under advisement.

Ledyard Farmers’ Committee

Councilor Irwin stated the Farmers’ Market Committee met on April 5, 2023 and he

noted that they were finalizing plans for the 2023 Summer Market Season. He stated the

Market Kick-Off was scheduled for Wednesday, June 7, 2023 and would once again be

held at the Lower Town Green, He stated the Farmers’ Market Committee had a lot of

great things planned for this year and that they expected to have great attendance again

this summer.

Board of Education

Councilor Irwin stated the Board of Education met on April 5, 2023 and they reviewed

their Policy Concerning Extra Curricular Activities for Ledyard School Age Residents

attending Magnet Schools, Home Schooling, and other Non-Traditional Schooling to

keep the access to the extracurricular activities equitable for all residents and students

throughout the magnet schools.

Chairman Dombrowski noted a newspaper article reporting that Norwich was looking to

remove several neighboring schools as an option for Norwich students to attend, noting

that Ledyard Public Schools was among the towns listed. He stated for the Norwich

students who were already attending Ledyard High School that they would continue until

they graduated; and that Norwich students who were planning to begin attending Ledyard

High School in the Fall of 2023 that they would be allowed to attend for the four years.

He stated the option to select other schools would be discontinued for the school year

starting in the Fall of 2024, noting that he believed this was a financial decision made by

the Norwich Board of Education. He also stated Ledyard’s Agri-Science (Vo-Ag)

Program would continue to be an option for Norwich students.

Youth and Social Services Board

Councilor McGrattan stated the Social Services Board met on March 21, 2023 and

addressed the following: (1) Established a Scholarship Fund for the Parks & Recreation

Summer Camp Program - Councilor McGrattan stated the funds would be used to help

support children in-need attend the Parks & Recreation Summer Camp. Donations can be

mailed to the Town Hall or made via the on-line portal.

Housing Authority

Councilor McGrattan stated the improvement/renovation work on the Kings Corner

Manor Senior Housing Facility has begun. The heating/cooling mini-splits were in, the

concrete work to hold the condensers for the mini-splits was being done outside, and the

outside work was being done on walkways in front of the community building and under

the carports.

Conservation Commission 10/12/2022

Councilor McGrattan stated the Conservation Commission met on April 11, 2023. She

reported that on Saturday, April 15, 2023 Team Rubicon and the Conservation

Commission would be clearing the invasive species along the Burton Trail, which was

located behind the High School. She explained that Team Rubicon was a Humanitarian

Organization that was comprised of 70% veterans, that help communities during disasters

and with other projects such as this one. She stated Team Rubicon contacted

Conservation Commission Chairman Michael Marelli and offered their help.

Ledyard Beautification Committee

Councilor Ingalls stated the Beautification Committee met on April 4, 2023 and she

noted most of the Committee Members were new and so the Committee was just getting

their feet under them, stating that they had a lot of energy and good ideas. She stated the

Committee discussed the Ledyard Center Streetlight Banners noting that they were doing

a final review/approval of the photographs before sending them to the printer for the

banners.

Councilor Rodriguez stated that she also attended the Beautification Committee noting

that the Committee decided to eliminate the flowerpots that were placed in front of the

Town Hall, the Annex Building, the Police Department, and the Senior Citizens Center.

Therefore, she stated that she contacted the Garden Club to see if they would like to take

over the flowerpots, noting that Executive Assistant Kristen Chapman, and

Administrative Assistant Roxanne Maher would take care of the flowerpots in front of

their buildings. She stated that she has not heard back from the Garden Club yet.

Councilor Ingalls stated the Beautification Committee had questions about watering the

flowerpots and storing the flowerpots. Councilor Rodriguez stated Ms. Chapman, Ms.

Maher and Ms. Stammel have been watering the flowerpots outside their buildings for

many years; and she stated that they all planned to continue to do that.

XII. REPORT OF THE MAYOR

REPORT OF THE MAYOR:

Mayor Allyn, III, reported on the following: (1) Streetlight Banners - Ledyard Center -

Mayor Allyn stated today he was talking Public Works Building & Grounds Supervisor

Shawn Ruszcyk about hanging the Streetlight Banners for the summer. He stated Mr.

Ruszcyk explained because the wreaths were not the same size as the banners, that they had

adjust the brackets each year to accommodate the wreaths and that it compromised and

weakened the brackets. He stated Mr. Ruszcyk suggested that rather than use the wreaths for

the holiday season that they get perforated banners with something festive printed on them

such as wreaths, or poinsettias, etc.; (2) Schools Consolidation/ Improvement Projects

(Middle School & Gallup Hill School) - Mayor Allyn noted a few weeks ago he sent an

email to the State to: (a) express the town’s frustration regarding the State’s release of the

grant reimbursement funding for the School(s) Project(s); and (b) requested a meeting

because Ledyard has been waiting a very long time for the Grant Reimbursement funding.

He stated since Ledyard began the School(s) Consolidation/ Improvement Project(s) (Middle

School & Gallup Hill School) that the State has had a turnover in the Commissioner seat

twice. He stated the Acting Commissioner responded to his email stating that they would

review Ledyard’s paperwork as soon as they received that they would pay the town as soon

as possible, less the retainage. He stated the Commissioner informed him that it could take 5

- 6-years to receive the retainage; therefore, Mayor Allyn explained that the town would

have to continue to carry the retainage using Short-Term Borrowing. He went on to report

that Colliers Project Leaders, the consultant who has been working with the Permanent

Municipal Building Committee and the Board of Education, submitted the final closeout

paperwork to the State for the School(s) Project(s). He stated the good news was that the

town should be receiving State Grant Reimbursement in the amount of $9 - $10 million very

shortly; (3) Long Pond Dam Watershed Project - Mayor Allyn stated in response to the

Request for Qualifications (RFQ) (Whitford Brook Watershed Infrastructure Improvements

-1 ) Public Works Director/Town Engineer Steve Masalin, a Planner from Southeastern

Connecticut Council of Governments (SCCOG) Planner, and someone from Southeastern

CT Stormwater and Climate Resilience Agency (SERCA) interviewed the Engineering

Firms that submitted proposals. He stated all the Engineering Firms interviewed well. He

stated the next step in the process was to issue a Request for Qualifications for the project;

(4) Administrator of Human Resources - Mayor Allyn stated Ms. Marisa Rodriguez started

as the town’s new Administrator of Human Resources on Monday, noting that after twelve

years of service that Mr. Don Steinhoff retired on April 6, 2023; (5) 334 Colonel Ledyard

Highway - Mayor Allyn stated the Lead and Asbestos Survey went well, noting that there

was no asbestos in the house. He stated the only asbestos that was on the house was the

black tar mastic that was used to bond between the chimney and the flashing. He stated a

contractor would be hired to remove the tar mastic and the well would be filled in by

professionals per Ledge Light Health District. He went on to explain that next week they

would conduct a demolition review with a contractor and per the Demolition Rules the

Town issue a Register Letter Notice to Abutters, to inform them about the pending

Demolition Permit.. He stated there was only one abutting property owner, noting the town

owning the other abutting properties; (6) Taxation on Indian Lands - Mayor Allyn stated the

State Legislature has proposed a Working Group to report on taxation issues on Indian Lands

which would involve the both the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation (MPTN) Chairman,

and Mohegan Sun Tribe Chairman, Montville Mayor, himself and six members of the State

Legislature. He stated the Working Group would meet twice a month in Harford for

six-months. He stated that he has expressed his concern to their Legislators questioning the

reason they were trying to legislative something that has already been judicially resolved; (7)

American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) Projects Update - Mayor Allyn stated eleven Projects

have been completed; eleven Projects were underway (in-process); and ten Projects have not

been started. He stated they were reviewing the ARPA projects that were currently

in-process relative to the amount of ARPA Funding that would be left that could be used for

other ARPA Projects; (8) Legislative Session - Mayor Allyn noted there were two Bills

remaining regarding Early Voting: (a) House Bill 5004 would require 14-days of Early

Voting for Regular Elections; 4-days of Early Voting for Referendum and Special Elections.

The sealed ballots would be delivered to the polling location between the hours of 6:00 a.m.

and 10:00 a.m. where they would be opened and fed into the tabulator machines. The Early

Voting location had to be at the same location thru out the required days and the specified

hours which included Saturdays and Sundays were as follows: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily;

and on the Wednesday and Thursday prior to Election Day the Early Voting hours would be

8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Mayor Allyn stated the Early Voting would be a partially unfunded

mandate explaining the State has appeared to agree to provide funding to Municipalities for

the added costs for two-years. He stated after the two-years that the town would need to

include the expenses in their budget for the Early Voting, which would include poll worker

salaries, meals and other related expenses. He stated because of the size of Ledyard they

would only need to have one Early Voting location. He stated municipalities with more than

20,000 people would be required to have two Early Voting locations; (b) Senate Bill 1064

would require 14-days of Early Voting for Regular Elections; 10-days of Early Voting for

Referendum and Special Elections. Mayor Allyn continued by noting other Bills that were

being considered as follows: (a) Senate Bill 1240 - Mil Rate Tax Cap - would apply to all

commercial and industrial properties. Mayor Allyn stated this proposed Bill would work

similar to the car tax cap, noting that the Mil Rate Tax Cap has been proposed for 31.25

mils, noting that Ledyard’s mil rate was currently slightly over the proposed cap. He

explained that the State would create a New Revenue Sharing Account to cover the loss of

revenues between the Mil Rate Tax Cap and the Municipalities Mil Rate.. He went on to

state that he did not foresee the State having enough money in the New Revenue Sharing

Account to cover these costs noting that some municipalities such as Hartford had a mil rate

of 74. Therefore, he stated the New Revenue Sharing Account would become depleted very

quickly; (b) Senate Bill 1242 - Waste Management - would impose a $5.00 per ton surcharge

for all waste that originated from your town that would be hauled out of state. Mayor Allyn

noted the State was planning to haul 800,000 - 900,000 tons of waste out of Connecticut to

landfills in Pennsylvania and Ohio. He stated if the waste does not go to the incinerator that

the Municipality would be required to pay the $5.00 surcharge per ton and a $2.00 in-State

charge. He stated in speaking to Ledyard’s Legislators today that their concerns regarding

Senate Bill 1242 was that the money collected would go into the General Fund, and would

not be doing anything to remedy the problem the State had with the disposal of the waste

stream. He stated that there was still a lot of time remaining in this Legislative Session and

that a lot could still happen. He stated that he would continue to keep the Town Council

informed on these issues.

Questions to the Mayor -

Councilor Rodriguez addressed the Early Voting Bills noting that she thought initially there

were four different Bills, therefore, she questioned what happened to the other proposed

Bills. Mayor Allyn explained as the Bills come out of Committee and they get more sponsors

to sign-on that those Bills continue to advance. He stated out of the three proposed Bills that

there were two Early Voting Bills that came “Joint Favorable” noting that both of the Bills

required 14-days of Early Voting; one Bill (House Bill 5004) included 4-days of Early

Voting for Referendums and Special Elections and the other Bill (Senate Bill 1064) included

10-days of Early Voting for Referendums and Special Elections. He stated municipalities do

not know how they could accommodate 10-days for of Early Voting for Referendums and

Special Elections. He noted as an example Ledyard’s Budget Process, explaining that in the

event that the townspeople do not approve the initial budget that they would have to post a

10-day advanced notice for voting again. He explained that the Legislative Session was

scheduled to end on June 5, 2023 and that if an Early Voting Bill were to be approved, that it

would be implemented for the November, 2023 this Fall.

Chairman Dombrowski addressed the two Early Voting Bills, and he stated per the Town

Charter that the Annual Town Meeting for the Budget adjourned to a vote on the voting

machines the following day. He stated should the State approve an Early Voting Bill that

Ledyard would need to change their Charter to comply with the Early Voting requirements.

Mayor Allyn stated the Legislative Session was scheduled to end on June 5, 2023, noting that

if a Bill was approved it would be implemented for the November 2023 Election. However,

he explained for Special Elections and Referendums that implementation of the new Early

Voting Requirements would be delay to after January 1, 2024.

Mayor Allyn went on to explain should House Bill 5004 (Early Voting) be approved by the

State Legislature that they already had the language written to amend the Connecticut

Constitution and the State Statues to allow the Early Voting. He commented that it was

premature to have this work done so far in advance since the House Bill had not yet been

voted on. Chairman Dombrowski stated the Legislature would have to have the language

ready to vote on very quickly to amend the Connecticut Constitution and the State Statutes in

order to support Early Voting Requirements for the November, 2023 Election.

Chairman Dombrowski addressed Senate Bill 1240 - Mil Rate Tax Cap on Commercial and

Industrial Property, noting that Apartment Buildings were considered commercial property. He

stated this issue was bigger than just commercial properties such as a Better Value Store or

Ocean State Job Lot Store. He went on to note that most of the properties in Hartford, New

Haven, New London, etc. were rental properties, therefore, he stated as Mayor Allyn mentioned

earlier, that he also had concerns that the New Special Revenue Account would become

depleted quickly. He commented that the Mil Rate Tax Cap may be part of the “Affordable

Housing initiative” to drive people away from single family homes. He stated by the time they

get to a small town like Ledyard, that there would not be enough funding in the New Special

Revenue Account for the State to provide 100% of the delta between the local mil rate and the

mil tax cap mil rate, which would mean the tax burden was going to be on single family

homeowner. Councilor Saums stated that this would make buying single family homes for

Short-Term Rental/Commercial Use a good idea, which would then eat up Affordable Housing.

Mayor Allyn stated the proposed Bills he reported on this evening were the Bills that came of

Committee as “Joint Favorable” and were now being reviewed by the Office of Fiscal Analysis

(OFA). He stated hopefully the Office of Fiscal Analysis would show the Legislature the impact

the proposed Mil Rate Tax Cap on Commercial and Industrial Property would be; and it would

derail the Bill. However, he stated it was concerning when a proposed Bill comes out of

Committee Joint Favorable and seemed to be moving ahead.

RESULT:

XIII. OLD BUSINESS

None.

XIV. NEW BUSINESS

CONSENT CALENDAR

MOTION to approve appropriation from the receipt of sales of vehicles and equipment through

GovDeals in the total amount of $11,300 to the Public Works Small Truck CNR Account

21040101-57313.

*1.

*2.

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

RESULT:

MOTION to approve a tax refund in the amount of $5085.18 exceeding $2,400.00 in accordance

with tax collector department procedures.

James & Valerie Hazlin - Double Payment - $5,085.18

Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor Saums

VOTE: 7 - 0 Approved and so declared

Councilor Saums noted Item #1 on the Consent Calendar stating that the town received $11,300

from the GovDeals on-line auction sale for the 2011 Ford E350 Van, which was formerly the

Public Works Department Buildings & Grounds services vehicle. He commented that this was a

great deal. Mayor Allyn stated the Van had a lot of bidding activity on it, noting that currently

there has been a lot of interest in used vehicles.

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Andra Ingalls

RESULT:

MOVER:

Bill Saums

SECONDER:

Dombrowski, Saums, Ingalls, Paul, McGrattan, Rodriguez, and Irwin

Marshall, and Ryan

AYE:

EXCUSED:

Finance Committee

MOTION to approve the following proposed project to be eligible for Neighborhood Assistance

Act (NAA) tax credits.

.3.

The ARC of Eastern Connecticut to replace windows at the Group Residence located at

1671 Center Groton Road, Ledyard estimated cost $26,872.00.

Moved by Councilor Saums, seconded by Councilor Ingalls

Discussion: Councilor Saums stated a Public Hearing was held earlier this evening at which The

Arc of Eastern Connecticut Penny Newbury, Director of Grants and Communications, presented

their proposed project to replace the windows at their group residence located at 1671 Center

Groton Road, Ledyard. He stated the Group Home provided round the clock support to six

clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities, noting that some have limited mobility

and/or were older. He stated that the windows were original to the building and needed to be

replaced.

Councilor Saums provided some background noting that The Arc of Eastern Connecticut, was a

501(c) non-profit organization that serves to advocate and support people with intellectual and

developmental disabilities across the entire region. He explained as part of the NAA Project

Application that the Non-Profit Organization was required to seek support from the town in which

the project would be done. He stated there was no cost to the town except for the cost to hold a

Public Hearing, which they did earlier this evening; and to take a vote to support the project.

VOTE:

7 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Bill Saums

RESULT:

MOVER:

Andra Ingalls

SECONDER:

Dombrowski, Saums, Ingalls, Paul, McGrattan, Rodriguez, and Irwin

Marshall, and Ryan

AYE:

EXCUSED:

Discussion and possible action to increase one Senior Center Van Driver to full-time.

.3.

Moved by Councilor Saums, seconded by Councilor Ingalls

Discussion: Councilor Saums stated that Senior Citizens Director Scott Johnson Jr., was present

this evening and asked Mr. Johnson to explain this request.

Senior Citizens Director Scott Johnson Jr., explained that the Senior Citizens Center has seen an

increase in the demand for transportation services. He stated making one of the Van Drivers

full-time would allow the Senior Citizens Center to increase their service hours and

accommodate more medical rides. He stated should the merger of the Senior Citizens

Commission and the Parks & Recreation Commission move forward, that he had initially

proposed moving the funds ($14,000) from the Community Health & Welfare Programs

Account into the Van Driver line to cover the cost for the increased full-time hours. He

explained by merging the Senior Citizens with the Parks & Recreation that the revenues from the

Senior Programs, that were currently going into the General Fund, would go into the Parks &

Recreation Special Revenue Account and the Senior Citizens Programs would then become

self-sufficient. However, he stated if the town received the Senior Resources Agency on Aging

-Title 3 Grant funding that they would be able increase the Van Driver’s hours to full-time next

year without having to use the Senior Citizens Community Health & Welfare Program funds.

Mr. Johnson went on to explain that $8,000 has been included in the upcoming Fiscal Year

2023/2024 Budget for the Van Driver, which they could use for the town’s local match to

receive the grant funding. He stated the town would be eligible to apply/receive the Senior

Resources Agency on Aging -Title 3 Grant for three consecutive years with the percentage of the

funding slightly decreasing each year (85%; 80%; 75%). However, he stated once the three-year

grant funding ended that the town would take on the entire cost for the full-time Van Driver. He

stated it would be the Town Council’s decision to apply for the grant and defer the cost to

increase one of the part-time van drivers to full-time; or not to apply for the grant and fully fund

the increased hours for the full-time van driver, while they had the $14,000 available in the

Community Health & Welfare Program Account which could be transferred into the Van Driver

Account for next year (fy 2/24). However, he stated by moving the $14,000 from Community

Health & Welfare Program Account that they would lose the Senior Program Revenues. He

stated if they applied and received the Senior Resources Agency on Aging -Title 3 Grant

Funding that it would allow the town to ease into fully funding the full-time van driver over a 3

to 4-year period.

Chairman Dombrowski noted as mentioned during the Public Hearing earlier this evening

regarding proposed Amendments to Ordinance #100-016 (rev 1) “An Ordinance Combining

Parks And Recreation Commission and Senior Citizens Commission for the Town of Ledyard”

that the merger of the two Commissions was independent of the operational costs.

Chairman Dombrowski continued by addressing the funding to increase one part-time Van

Driver to full-time. He stated based on Mr. Johnson’s description that it sounded like they were

doing shell game where they were moving $14,000 from one account to another account to pay

for a full-time van driver. However, he stated because they were artificially filling what they

were taking out of the budget with grant funding to pay for the additional full-time hours; that

the following year the town would have to pay the entire cost for the full-time van driver. He

stated that he did like paying for salaries with grant funding because the next year the town

would be responsible to pay the full cost of the salary. He stated although it would look better

this year, that the long-term the town would have to pay for the entire salary the following year.

Councilor Saums stated that they had the following options:

· Apply for the Senior Resources Agency on Aging -Title 3 this year;

· Apply for the Senior Resources Agency on Aging -Title 3 for the following two years with a

decrease in grant funding;

· If the town does not receive the grant funding for the following years they could reduce the

one full-time Van Driver back to part-time.

Chairman Dombrowski stated he intended to vote “No” on this Senior Resources Agency on

Aging -Title 3 Grant Application to support the additional hours to increase one Van Driver

from part-time to full-time for the follow reasons:

· Funding was already available in the budget to pay to increase one of the Van Drivers to

full-time.

· A full-time Van Driver was needed.

· The budget would remain consistent in the following years to keep the full-time Van Driver.

· The revenues received from Senior Citizens Health and Welfare Program would be going

into the Parks & Recreation Special Revenue Fund and not into the General Fund.

Mr. Johnson stated because the $14,000 was already in the budget (fy 23/24) to increase one Van

Driver to full-time that he was now leaning toward not applying for the grant. He stated if they

cut the $14,000 out of the budget and fill it with the grant funding, as Chairman Dombrowski

stated, that the following year’s budget (fy 24/25) would need to be increased to cover the cost.

He also explained in continuing to review the Application and subsequent reporting

requirements for Senior Resources Agency on Aging -Title 3 Grant Program that he was not sure

if receiving this grant funding would be worth time and resources needed to comply with the

month reporting.

VOTEM:0ot-io7n Failed

Chairman Dombrowski referred the funding to increase one Van Driver to full-time back to the

Finance Committee.

Councilor Saums thanked Mr. Johnson for all the work he put into this proposal

MOTION FAILED

Bill Saums

RESULT:

MOVER:

Andra Ingalls

SECONDER:

Dombrowski, Saums, Ingalls, Paul, McGrattan, Rodriguez, and Irwin

Marshall, and Ryan

NAY:

EXCUSED:

MOTION to overspend account 10110205-53610 Specialty Approved Counsel through June 30,

2023.

.4.

Moved by Councilor Saums, seconded by Councilor Ingalls

Discussion: Councilor Saums stated that the Specialty Approved Counsel Account covered labor

attorney fees, land use attorney fees, tax attorney fees and other specialty counsel. He stated the

Fiscal Year 2022/2023 Budget included $30,000 for these expenses. He stated to date the

Account had an expended balance of $31,086; which did not include the outstanding invoices for

February from both Shipman & Goodwin (labor); and Fahey & Landolina (land use).

Councilor Saums explained that the Land Use Department incurred significant costs this year for

the rewriting of the Zoning Regulations as well as the Subdivision Regulation rewrite. He also

noted that there were several technical applications that required legal counsel and that labor

counsel was also required for several outstanding labor issues.

Councilor Saums went on to state although he did not like to overspend accounts that the town’s

practice for these types of expenses has been not budget everything they might spend because

companies look at municipal budgets. He stated by authorizing to overspend an account, when

needed, that it kept the law firms guessing on what the town was willing to spend and it kept

everyone honest.

Councilor Ingalls stated that she would repeat the comments that she made at the Finance

Committee’s April 5, 2023 meeting noting that if Councilor Ryan was present this evening his

point would be that they were voting “yes” on an increase without stating a budget number; and

therefore, she wanted to say it for him.

Councilor Saums stated that he would agree with Councilor Ryan’s position that this appeared to

be an open check book. However, he stated it was not an open check book and they could always

vote down a request to overspend an account.

Councilor Rodriguez questioned whether the Town Council could go into executive session to

discuss the legal fees. Councilor Saums stated that legal fees for these expenses did not meet the

criteria to enter into executive session. He noted that they could enter into executive session for

the following reasons:

· Appointment, employment, performance, evaluation, health or dismissal of a public officer

or employee;

· Strategy and negotiations with respect to Pending Claims or Pending Litigation.

· Matters concerning security strategy;

· Selection of a site or the lease, sale or purchase of real estate;

· Discussion of any matter which would result in the disclosure of public records, or the

information contained therein;

· Selection of a candidate or candidates for an executive-level employment position.

Chairman Dombrowski stated as Councilor Saums’ mentioned, that although the action to

overspend an account gives the appearance of an open check book, that it was not an open check

book. He stated expenses were scrutinized and monitored by the Finance Committee, Mayor,

and the Finance Director and was based on expensed incurred and projections on known cases.

Mayor Allyn, III, stated the town does not rewrite the Zoning Regulations and Subdivision

Regulations every year. He stated this was a significant amount of work, noting that Land Use

Attorney Carl Landolina was very involved in the process.

VOTEA:p7p-ro0ved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Bill Saums

RESULT:

MOVER:

Andra Ingalls

SECONDER:

Dombrowski, Saums, Ingalls, Paul, McGrattan, Rodriguez, and Irwin

Marshall, and Ryan

AYE:

EXCUSED:

Land Use/Planning/Public Works Committee

MOTION to adopt a “Fair Housing Resolution - Town of Ledyard” as contained in the draft

dated March 15 April 10, 2023.

.6.

DRAFT: 3/17/2023 4/10/2023

Res:004-2023/Apr 12

FAIR HOUSING RESOLUTION

TOWN OF LEDYARD

WHEREAS, All persons are afforded a right to full and equal housing opportunities in the

neighborhood of their choice; and

WHEREAS, Federal Fair Housing laws require that all individuals, regardless of race, color,

religion, sex, handicap, familial status, veteran status, or national origin, be given equal access

to all housing-related opportunities, including rental and homeownership opportunities, and be

allowed to make free choices regarding housing location; and

WHEREAS, Connecticut fair housing laws require that all individuals, regardless of race, creed,

color, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, age, lawful source of income, familial status,

veteran status, learning disability, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, or gender

identity or expression be given equal access to all housing-related opportunities, including rental

and home ownership opportunities, and be allowed to make free choices regarding housing

location; and

WHEREAS, The Town of Ledyard is committed to upholding these laws, and realizes that these

laws must be supplemented by an Affirmative Statement publicly endorsing the right of all

people to full and equal housing opportunities in the neighborhood of their choice.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Town of Ledyard hereby endorses a Fair

Housing Policy to ensure equal opportunity for all persons to rent, purchase, obtain financing

and enjoy all other housing-related services of their choice on a non-discriminatory basis as

provided by state and federal law; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the chief executive officer of the Town of Ledyard or

his/her designated representative is responsible for responding to and assisting any person who

alleges to be the victim of an illegal discriminatory housing practice in the Town of Ledyard and

for advising such person of the right to file a complaint with the State of Connecticut

Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) or the U.S. Department of Housing

and Urban Development (HUD) or to seek assistance from the CT Fair Housing Center, legal

services, or other fair housing organizations to protect his or her right to equal housing

opportunities.

Adopted by the Ledyard Town Council on April 12, 2023

___________________________

Kevin J. Dombrowski, Chairman

*********************************************************************************************

I Patricia A. Riley, Town Clerk of the Town of Ledyard, do hereby certify that the above is a

true and correct copy of a resolution duly adopted at a meeting of the Town Council held on

April 12, 2023, and that such resolution has not been modified, rescinded, or revoked, and is at

present in full force and effect:

IN WITNESS WHEREOF: The undersigned has affixed his signature and corporate seal on this

__________day of ___________ 2023.

______________________________

(Town Seal)

Patricia A. Riley, Town Clerk

Moved by Councilor Paul, seconded by Councilor Rodriguez

Discussion: Councilor Paul stated for the Town to be eligible to apply for and receive certain

Grant Funds to support fair housing that the town was required to annually adopt a "Fair

Housing Resolution" to be incompliance with state regulations. He stated the draft Resolution

was the same as previous years.

Chairman Dombrowski stated since the Land Use/Planning/Public Works Committee’s April 3,

2023 meeting they realized that “veteran status” should have been included in the protected

class in the Resolution. Therefore, the Resolution was updated to include “veteran status” as

presented in the draft dated April 10, 2023 for tonight’s meeting.

VOTEA:p7p-ro0ved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Gary Paul

RESULT:

MOVER:

S. Naomi Rodriguez

SECONDER:

Dombrowski, Saums, Ingalls, Paul, McGrattan, Rodriguez, and Irwin

Marshall, and Ryan

AYE:

EXCUSED:

General Business

Discuss Work Session Items as time permits.

None.

.7.

XV. ADJOURNMENT

Councilor Rodriguez moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilor Paul

VOTE: 7 - 0 Approved and so declared. The meeting adjourned at 8:01 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 April 12, 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.