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, May 24, 2023

7:00 PM

Town Hall Council Chambers

In-Person: Council Chambers Town Hall Annex

Remote: Information noted below:

WORKING DRAFT

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82243956572?

pwd=S2FPWHZUN3pwSlZUSis0RmRvNURhZz09

Only: Telephone: +1 646 558 8656; Meeting ID: 822 4395 6572; Passcode: 587816

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 Tim Ryan

Councilor Whit Irwin

Councilor John Marshall

Councilor S. Naomi Rodriguez

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 Paul stated May was Mental Health Awareness Month and he stated the Mental

Health Community’s message for this year was: “The Message Is More Than Enough”. He

provided the following data points:

· Nearly 1 in 5 adults in the United States would experience some form of mental illness,

with

24% of those will suffer from a serious mental illness; and 12% of those will be

diagnosed with substance use disorder.

· In 2021 48,183 people succumbed to suicide in the United States. This was one death

every 11 minutes.

Councilor Paul stated Ledyard and its community cares and he stated help was available

24/7 by calling the three digit lifeline: 988 or 211 or Ledyard’s Youth & Social Services at

(860) 465-3213.

Councilor Paul continued by announcing the Yale-Harvard Regatta Festival will be held on

Saturday, June 10, 2023. He concluded by noting this weekend was Memorial Day and he

wanted to thank those who have served and gave their lives for his.

Councilor Saums stated he had had two daughters graduating in the next couple of

weeks. One daughter would be graduating from University of Massachusetts with the

honorary title of Summa cum laude; and one daughter would be graduating from her

Residency in Charleston, South Carolina. He stated that he attributed much of their

success to Ledyard Public Schools. He thanked Ledyard’s education system; and he

congratulated all the graduates from High School, College, etc. The Town Council

Congratulated Councilor Saums, noting that he should be proud of his daughters

accomplishments.

Councilor Ryan stated the Grand Opening of Sweet Hill Creamery would be held on

Friday, June 8, 2023. He stated Sweet Hill Creamery was located where “Pops”

formerly was. He noted that it would be great to once again have an ice-cream shop in

Gales Ferry.

VIII. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION to approve the Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes of May 10, 2023.

Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor McGrattan

VOTE: 7- 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

RESULT:

Andra Ingalls

MOVER:

Mary K. McGrattan

SECONDER:

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

Marshall, and Rodriguez

AYE:

EXCUSED:

IX.

COMMUNICATIONS

Communications List May 24, 2023

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

were no referrals listed.

REFERRALS

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 a couple of items on tonight’s Agenda.

Community Relations Committee

.2.

Councilor Paul stated the Community Relations Committee met on May 17, 2023 and addressed

the following: (1) Presenting services and programs to residents - Councilor Paul stated the

Community Relations Committee would once again be hosting Booths at the Farmers Market

this summer: (a) July 19, 2023 Mental Health Awareness - Councilor Paul stated they

would be joined by the following Organizations: Brian Dagle Healing Hearts Foundation and

would be providing information regarding Home heating fuel through Thames Valley

Council for Community Action (TVCCA) and other assistance programs; Utilities -

Electric/Water Assistance; Homeowners Assistance program that provided no interest loans

to help people replace their furnace, roof or septic system, etc.; Home meal delivery

available for those who cannot get out to grocery shop through Thames Valley Council for

Community Action (TVCCA); The Linda C. Davis Food Pantry located in Ledyard Center;

United Way located in Gales Ferry was a great resource; Connecticut’s Paid Family Medical

Leave Program. He stated they would also be joined by the Police Department who would be

providing information regarding the “Green and/or Blue Envelope” for drivers with Autism

or Hearing Impaired; and SERAC. He noted many of these Organizations participated at the

Community Relations Committee’s Farmers’ Market Booths last summer. However, he

stated SERAC would be a new addition to their Mental Health Awareness Booth this

summer. He provided some background noting that SERAC was a non-profit organization

located in Norwich that served 41 communities in Eastern Connecticut, noting that they

provide programs and services to reduce the impact of substance abuse, problem gambling,

and mental health challenges, noting that May was Mental Health Awareness Month; (b)

August 30, 2023 - Library Services- Councilor Paul stated the Farmers’ Market August 30,

2023 Theme was “Back to School” and that the Committee felt that the Library services

would be in-keeping with that Theme. He stated at their Booth the Community Relations

Committee would provide literature regarding the services the Library offered and refer

residents to stop by the Library Open House. H stated when the Farmers Market closed that

the Library would provide a short Presentation that same evening; (c) September 19, 2023-

Hometown Heroes- First Responder - Councilor Paul stated in preparation for the

September 19, 2023 “Hometown Heroes- First Responders” he met with both Ledyard

Center Fire Chief Jon Mann and Gales Ferry Fire Chief Tony Saccone. He stated that the

Community Relations Committee was also hoping to have some of the Chairman from the

town’s committee/commissions/boards noting that it would be good opportunity for all of

these volunteer groups to talk with residents about how they could volunteer to serve the

community.

Finance Committee

.3.

Councilor Ryan stated the Finance Committee met on May 17, 2023 and he noted in

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

following: (1) Year-to-Date Reports April 30, 2023 - Councilor Ryan noted Finance

Director Matthew Bonin presented the following Updates some good and some not so

good: (a) Good News was Healthcare Lines would see budgetary savings this year; Tax

Collections thru March 31, 2023 was at 98.9%; Interest Income on Deposits was

$360,000 ahead of budget and it was expected to earn about $100,000 over the next two

months. Councilor Ryan stated this was an amazing amount of interest earned just by

changing bank accounts; (b) Not So Good News - Utilities were continuing to trend over

budget; Dispatch Salaries continue to trend over budget; Nursing Revenues continue to

trend $250,000 - $300,000 under budget; and Board of Education Tuition was trending

under budget. Councilor Ryan went on to state that Mr. Bonin noted when the budget

was prepared that $1 Million was budgeted to come out of the Mil Rate Stabilization

Fund to balance the budget. However, he stated Mr. Bonin explained he did not believe

they would need to take the entire $1 Million out of the Mil Rate Stabilization Fund to

balance the current year’s budget; (2) American Rescue Plan Act Funding (ARPA) -

Councilor Ryan noted that Public Works Director/Town Engineer Steve Masalin

provided an update regarding the following ARPA Projects: (a) HVAC Systems have

been completed and were operational at the Senior Citizens Center and the Emergency

Services Building; (b) HVAC System at the Town Hall - They were waiting for some

administrative paperwork from the State to finish the HVAC System for the Vault

because of its purpose to store sensitive and historical documents. Also, some warrantee

work needed to be completed as well; (c) Streetlight Banner Brackets have been installed

in Ledyard Center and the new Banners were now in place; (d) Automated Doors at the

Senior Citizens Center - The doors have been installed and were operational; (e)

Sidewalk Infill - No activity has been engaged for the sidewalk work in Ledyard Center

or Gales Ferry. Councilor Ryan stated that Mr. Masalin noted that they may need to

revisit the scope and funding ($35,000 was earmarked for this work) because he did not

know if any meaningful work could be done with $35,000 that was budgeted; (f) Town

Hall Door Replacement - Considering augmenting the funding to install automated doors

in the front of the Town Hall building. Buildings and Grounds Forman Shawn Ruszcyk

met with the contractor this week to scope out the project; (3) National Opioid

Settlement Funding - Councilor Ryan stated the Finance Committee did not have any

further discussion regarding the use of these funds; (4) Public Act No.21-58 “An Act

Concerning Solid Waste Management” in accordance with “Resolution Regarding

Revenues Received from Beverage Container Surcharges- Councilor Ryan stated the

Finance Committee did not have any further discussion regarding the use of the Nip

Bottle Surcharge Funding.

Land Use/Planning/Public Works Committee

.4.

.5.

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

He noted the Committee’s next meeting was scheduled for June 5, 2023.

Water Pollution Control Authority

Councilor Saums stated the WPCA met on May 23, 2023 and addressed the following: (1)

Ledyard Center Water Tank Panting - The painting of the Ledyard Center tank top has not yet

begun, but weather has been chilly and Groton Utilities has contacted the painter to inquire

the status of their schedule. Rust was beginning to appear on the inside of the tank, and it

should be addressed before the next 5-year inspection. There was also sediment in the bottom

of the tank that should be removed, both of these projects would require taking the water

storage tank offline. Groton Utilities described a temporary pneumatic pump system than

could be used to maintain service while both jobs were underway; (2) Flushing of

watermains would begin in the next month or so, and notices would be published; (3) Policy

Manual - The WPCA continued to review their Policy Manual for a number of policy

updates; (4) Ledyard Center Sewer Extension Project - Councilor Saums stated questions

that Groton Utilities posed several months ago have reportedly been addressed, but the

WPCA has not received a copy of the revised plan that has been put out for bid, nor has

Groton Utilities. The WPCA voted unanimously to require that the project adhere to the

comments and conditions Groton Utilities made regarding curb stops and hydrants; (5)

Wastewater Sewer Pumps - Construction on the Smith & Loveless skid mounted sewer

pumps at the wastewater treatment plant was delayed while the old 240-volt transformers

were replaced with 208-volt transformers, which the pumps require. Running the pumps at

240 volts could affect the warranty and the life of the motors; (6) Fire Hydrants - The WPCA

voted to accept Groton Utilities’ recommendation to move a hydrant at the corner of Baldwin

Hill Road and Route 12 because the fire hydrant gets hit by trucks several times every year

and it was expensive to keep replacing the fire hydrant. The cost to move the fire hydrant

was $6,000.

Chairman Dombrowski questioned the reason the WPCA did not take into consideration the volt

of the transformers when they ordered the Smith & Loveless skid mounted sewer pumps at the

wastewater treatment plant. Councilor Saums stated he did not know the reason the WPCA

did not consider changing the 240-volt transformers, when they ordered the new sewer

pumps. However, he stated the WPCA has had issues in the past with the 240-volt

transformers relative to much of the equipment with operated on 208-volts.

XII. REPORT OF THE MAYOR

REPORT OF THE MAYOR:

Mayor Allyn, III, reported on the following: (1) Playscape & Solar USB Charging Station -

13 Winthrop Road (American Rescue Plan Act -ARPA Funding) - Mayor Allyn stated the

new Playscape was complete and looked great. He stated they made one change to the

project, which was to install one of the Solar USB Charger Stations at that location, instead

of at the Bill Library. He explained because the Bill Library had power at their Outdoor

Garden Patio; and was a fairly shaded area they decided a better location was at the Park on

Winthrop Road, noting that while kids were playing at the park that parents could charge

their devices. He stated the crews were working to install the USB Solar Chargers at the

selected locations; (2) Streetlight Banner Brackets have been installed in Ledyard Center

and the new Banners were now in place. Mayor Allyn stated because the wreaths that

they were previously using for the Holiday Season do not fit the size of the brackets that

the Beautification Committee was considering winter/seasonal banners; (3) Blight and

Zoning Issues - Mayor Allyn stated the new Zoning Enforcement Officer Mr. Alex Samalot

were being addressed. He stated the top 5 - 6 offenders have received Registered Letters. He

stated one property owner has already contacted him and that they would be meeting

tomorrow; (4) Retirement - Pension Fund - Mayor Allyn stated the Retirement Board’s last

report indicated that the Retirement - Pension Plan was funded at 87.4% which was an

improvement, noting that the Discount Rate was 6.25%. He stated to provide a perspective

that the State’s Average for all Municipal Retirement Funds was 73% funding. He stated the

State also used a Discount Rate of 6.75%. He stated Ledyard was more conservative with

their and better funded than the state’s average; (5) Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Budget

Referendum - May 16, 2023 - Mayor Allyn stated the proposed $64,540,940 Budget

(General Government: $28,632,572; Board of Education: $35,908,368) was approved: 147-

Yes to 55-No noting that only 2.1% of the voters turned out to cast their ballot. He expressed

disappointment with the turn out noting the town advertised the Annual Town Meeting and

Referendum by placing two legal notices in the New London Day Newspaper, it was posted

on the Town’s Website, Ledyard Community Resource Page, Ledyard News Facebook Page,

his Facebook page and some Town Councilors shared the posting on their Social Media

pages. It was in the Events Magazine that was mailed to every household in Ledyard, 20-foot

Banners were hung in Ledyard Center and in Gales Ferry. He stated residents could sign up

for Email Alerts on the Town’s website, which would inform them of events such as the

Budget Referendum. He stated Ledyard does not have a reporter from the Day Newspaper.

He stated next year they would have the LED Signs in front of the Town Green Ledyard

Center and in front of the Gales Ferry Fire Department where they would advertise the

Referendum. He stated he was working with the State Department of Transportation (DOT)

to obtain permission to place the LED Signs. He stated the following ideas were suggested to

inform residents about the Budget Referendum: (a) Use the Everbridge Emergency Reverse

911 Alert System - Mayor Allyn stated he did not support using the reverse 911 system

because the intended use was for emergencies; (b) Postcards to every household - Mayor

Allyn stated that he also did not support the postcard idea because of the Events Magazine

already goes to every household and because of the cost to print and mail. He stated he did

not know if the low voter turn-out was because people were choosing not to engage, or

whether they viewed the Budget Vote as a non-starter because there were no issues; (6)

Nathan Lester House - Mayor Allyn stated the Historic property (House and Barns) were

staged for the filming of a portion of the Fog of War Movie starring John Crusack, Brianna

Hildebrand and Jake Abel. He stated the spy-thriller movie was a story about an injured

World War II American pilot and his OSS agent fiancée Penny who retreat to a remote

estate in Massachusetts and involved top-secret documents related to the D-Day

invasion. He noted that he had a cameo part as a doctor but that did not know if the scene

would make the movie and that a $13,000 donation was made to the Nathan Lester

House for the use of the property. He stated he met with Historic District Commissioner

Doug Kelley, noting on Memorial Day they would begin to provide tours of the property

for the public to see how the property was stagged for the World War II era film and to

talk about the actors and actresses that were in scenes that were filmed in the Nathan

Lester House. The movie was expected to be in theaters in March-April 2024; and he

stated that he hoped they could do a little Premier Opening here at the Nathan Lester

House; (7) Bid No. 2023-08 (Oversized Bulky Waste Removal) - Mayor Allyn stated the

Bid Opening was held on May 23, 202; however, the town only received two bids, noting

that they were very competitive coming within $500 - $600 of each other. He stated

Public Works/Town Engineer Steve Masalin would be seeking a Bid Waiver as the

required three bids were not received, in accordance with Ordinance #200-001 (rev 1)

“An Ordinance for Purchasing; (8) Avalonia Land Conservancy - Mayor Allyn stated

Avalonia Land Conservancy was interested in the following two town-owned parcels: (a)

3.32 acres that was located behind 538 Colonel Ledyard Highway - Outback Stables; and

(b) 334 Colonel Ledyard Highway which was the piece of property that fronted the

former Founders Preserve Property and would hopefully become the gravel parking lot

for the open space property owned by Avalonia Land Conservancy; (9) Solid Waste

Working Group - Mayor Allyn stated that he was serving as the Southeastern

Connecticut Council of Governments (SCCOG) Solid Waste Working Group. He stated

the nine member Working Group comprised of SCCOG Chief Executive Officers, as

well as members from Southeastern Connecticut Regional Resource Recovery Authority

(SCRRRA) and Municipal Public Works Directors who handle solid waste believed

there were some things that could be done to remove organics out of the waste stream by

looking at single stream and the new incinerators; (10) Memorial Day Parade will be

held on Sunday, May 28, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. - Mayor Allyn suggested Town Councilors

who would be marching in the parade to gather at the War Memorial located between

the Bill Library and the Congregational Church at 12:30 p.m.

Questions to the Mayor -

Councilor Saums addressed the low voter turn-out for the May 16, 2023 Fiscal Year

2023/2024 Budget Referendum. He stated although this year’s budget passed that when there

is a low voter turn-out for any referendum vote that there was a higher chance of the item not

being approved.

Councilor Saums continued by addressing the Ledyard Center Streetlight Banners and he

noted that another town had been discussing Hometown Heroes Banners. Therefore, he

suggested Ledyard consider the same for next year, noting that it would be great to hang

Hometown Heroes Banners and Flags for Memorial Day. Mayor Allyn stated the cost was

about $1,400 to purchase banners for all of the Streetlights in Ledyard Center. Councilor

Ryan questioned the time involved to change the Streetlight Banners. Mayor Allyn stated

that the Public Works Department could change-out all of the Streetlight Banners in about

90-minutes. He stated the new Streetlight brackets were spring loaded and the new banners

had wind slits so that there was less tension on the brackets when they had strong wind

gusts.

Councilor Ryan addressed the electrical power that was available at the Bill Library’s

Garden Patio; and he questioned whether they were live and whether the outlets were

accessible. Mayor Allyn stated the Bill Library Garden Patio had electrical outlets for the

public to use, noting that the area had a natural canopy of trees, etc. that provided some

protection. Councilor Ryan stated his concern was not about the electrical outlets being

protected, but that he had concerns about the town’s cost for the public to use the electricity.

Chairman Dombrowski stated there were electrical outlets at the Pole Barn, Town Green,

and Holdridge Pavilion; however, he stated the electricity to the outlets could be shut off

when they were not in use by town organizations.

XIII. OLD BUSINESS

XIV. NEW BUSINESS

Administration Committee

MOTION to reappoint Ms. Paula Crocker, 1500 Route 12, Gales Ferry, to the Housing Authority

to complete a five (5) year term ending March 31, 2028.

Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor McGrattan

Discussion: Councilor Ingalls stated the reappointment of Ms. Crocker has been endorsed

by the Housing Authority, noting that Chairman Duzy provided some nice comments

regarding Ms. Crocker’s contributions to the Board.

Councilor McGrattan, Liaison to the Housing Authority, stated Ms. Crocker serves as the

Board’s Recording Secretary and that she does a great job with the Minutes.

VOTE: 7 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Andra Ingalls

RESULT:

MOVER:

Mary K. McGrattan

SECONDER:

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

Marshall, and Rodriguez

AYE:

EXCUSED:

MOTION to approve a proposed Director of Parks, Recreation and Senior Citizens job

description as contained in the draft dated May 9, 2023.

Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor Irwin

Discussion: Councilor Ingalls provided some background explaining that Mr. Scott

Johnson, Jr., has been serving in this combined role since the Parks & Recreation

Department moved from Blonders Boulevard to the Senior Citizen Center on Van Tassel

Drive in 2020. She also noted that the new name of the combined Commissions was

“Parks, Recreation and Senior Citizens Commission” as reflected in the job description.

She stated the job description was last updated in 1984; and therefore, this was a

complete and comprehensive update.

VOTE:

7 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Andra Ingalls

RESULT:

MOVER:

Whit Irwin

SECONDER:

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

Marshall, and Rodriguez

AYE:

EXCUSED:

Finance Committee

MOTION to grant a bid waiver to WMC Consulting Engineers in the amount of $478,000 for

RFQ/RFP 2023-07 (Engineering Services-Whitford Brook Watershed Infrastructure

Improvements) due to not receiving three bids; in accordance with Ordinance #200-001 (rev 1)

“An Ordinance for Purchasing”.

Moved by Councilor Saums, seconded by Councilor Ryan

Discussion: Councilor Saums provided some background noting that WMC Consulting

Engineers also did the work on the Lantern Hill Road Bridge.

Councilor Saums provided some background noting that in response to the Request for

Qualifications (RFQ#2023-07) (Whitford Brook Watershed Infrastructure Improvements

-1 ) the town only received two proposals. He stated the Proposals were due on April 12,

2023 and that Public Works Director/Town Engineer Steve Masalin along with Planner

Sam Alexander from Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments (SCCOG), and

Dave Murphy from Southeastern CT Stormwater and Climate Resilience Agency

(SERCA) interviewed the Engineering Firms that submitted proposals. He stated the

consensus of the Group was to award the contract to WMC Consulting Engineers, noting

that they were the lowest bid. He stated although the town would have typically received

several proposals for this type of project that the cost of the two proposals received came

in within the range of what they would have seen if they had a bigger pool of

participants.

Councilor Ryan stated that Director of Public Works/Town Engineer Steve Masalin

stated the proposals were withing the scope of what was expected for the size of the

project, noting that the cost was not a lot more or a lot less than expected.

Councilor Saums stated that Mr. Masalin explained that this bid waiver was for the

Design Work and the Permitting Process and was only one milestone within the whole $3

Million Watershed Initiative that was being done along Lantern Hill Road and the

Whitford Brook, which included the replacement of the Lantern Hill Road/Whitford

Bridge (between Ledyard and Stonington) that has languished for years, and for other

components that needed to be replaced or improved related to the watershed area. He

stated that Mr. Masalin also addressed the complexities of the project because there were

a lot of stakeholders involved in this Watershed Project, noting that they have met with

residents Betsy Graham and Terry Fedors. He explained the Local Bridge Program has

become an option that the town could use again. He stated WMC Consulting Engineers

was the engineers for the Lantern Hill Road Bridge and he noted in speaking with WMC

Consulting Engineers they were going to submit an Application for Local Bridge

Funding. However, he explained although Stonington would be a party in the

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that Mayor Allyn, III, was working on, that the

Local Bridge Application would not include Stonington as a party. He went on to note

that there would be other Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for some of the other

parties because the dams were on private property. He stated for State Funding to be

devoted to private dams was an unusual facet of the projects, and he noted that working

thru this project was going to be challenging.

Councilor Saums concluded by stating that Mr. Masalin was comfortable with the

selection of WMC Consulting Engineers. He explained because the State would not

allow a private party to be the administrator of the grant funding; and therefore, the town

would be handling the administration of the funding.

VOTE: 7 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Bill Saums

RESULT:

MOVER:

Tim Ryan

SECONDER:

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

Marshall, and Rodriguez

AYE:

EXCUSED:

MOTION to appoint CliftonLarsonAllen LLP to conduct auditing services for the General

Government, WPCA, and Schools for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, in accordance with

Chapter III, Section 11 of the Town Charter.

Moved by Councilor Saums, seconded by Councilor Ingalls

Discussion: Councilor Saums provided some background noting that last year the town

solicited Requests for Proposals (RFP#2022-09) for the Annual Audit. He stated because

the town only received two bids a bid waiver was granted to CliftonLarsonAllen LLP last

year. He stated although the contract was for two year (FY 2022 and FY 2023) with two

one-year options, that in accordance with Chapter III, Section 11 of the Town Charter:

“The Town Council shall annually designate an independent public accountant or firm

of independent public accountants to audit the books and accounts of the Town in

accordance with the provisions of the General Statutes”.

Councilor Saums stated in attending the Budget Preparation Shops that were put on by

the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) that they strongly recommended

Municipalities change their Accounting/Auditing Firms every few years. He stated

because they were in a contract with CliftonLarsonAllen LLP that they would not be

changing Accounting/Auditing Firms. However, he stated once this contract has ended

that he would recommend the town solicit bids for their Annual Audit work.

Councilor Saums stated during the Finance Committee’s May 17, 2023 meeting

Councilor Ryan questioned the cost breakdown for each of the entities for the Annual

Audit work noting that although the Board of Education’s budget was significantly larger

with a lot more budget lines that their shared cost for the Annual Audit was nearly

$14,000 less than the General Government’s cost. Councilor Saums went on to note that

Finance Director Matthew Bonin explained that that although the education budget was

greater than the town budget that it was audited as one line in the budget. Councilor

Saums went on to state that although the education budget was considered one line in the

overall budget that CliftonLarsonAllen LLP has done a fair amount of testing at the

Board of Education and that they have found some areas for improvement. However, he

stated given the size, number of employees and complexity of the Board of Education

budget that perhaps next year they should talk with the Auditors about the education

budget possibly receiving more scrutiny.

Councilor Saums concluded by stating that the town has been pleased with the work of

CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, noting that they have provided recommendations which the

town has implemented. He stated the appointment of the CliftonLarsonAllen LLP for the

second year of the contract was an Administrative Action.

VOTE: 7 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Bill Saums

RESULT:

MOVER:

Andra Ingalls

SECONDER:

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

Marshall, and Rodriguez

AYE:

EXCUSED:

General Business

Discuss Work Session Items as time permits.

None.

XV. ADJOURNMENT

Councilor Paul moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilor Irwin

VOTE: 7 - 0 Approved and so declared. The meeting adjourned at 7:28 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 May 24, 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.