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, June 14, 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

IC.hairman Dombrowski called the meeting to order at 7:06 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.

Chairman Dombrowski apologized for the late start of tonight’s meeting noting that the

Town Council had a special meeting prior to this one that ran a few minutes over.

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 Tim Ryan

Councilor John Marshall

Councilor Whit Irwin

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 began his comments by wishing all a Happy Flag Day! He continued by

stating the Yale-Harvard Regatta Day Festival held on Saturday, June 10, 2023 in Gales

Ferry was awesome. He stated that he set-up a large screen inside the Pavilion to show

the Race to folks who did not want to go down to the Thames River to see the Race. He

stated the weather was terrific and it was a great community event, noting that the crowd

was cheering throughout the Races. He thanked Economic Development Commissioner

Jessica Buhle, Charlene Johnson from Sweet Hill Farm, the Ledyard Lions, the Ledyard

Police Department and both the Gales Ferry and Ledyard Center Fire Departments and all

those who participated and came out to support the event. He stated he could not wait to

next year!

Councilor Rodriguez acknowledged that June was Pride Month; and she stated that she

hoped someday everyone would feel comfortable to live their truth openly; and celebrate

the freedom to be themselves without hate, judgement, or ridicule, and may their loved

ones accept them for who they are. She stated to quote Connecticut State Treasurer Eric

Russell “Pride is a reminder that progress does not happen by accident. It’s been earned

through generations of struggle and sacrifice. And it’s not inevitable, the work doesn’t

end”.

Councilor Rodriguez continued by noting, as Councilor Paul stated, today was Flag

Day and she thanked all those who have served, sacrificed for our flag, and our

freedom.

Councilor Ryan stated that he would like to echo Councilor Paul’s comments on Flag

Day and regarding the June 10, 2023 Yale-Harvard Regatta Festival. He stated he went

to the Regatta with his kids noting that it was a great time, and the weather was great

too. He went on to state that he was sad that the Farmers Market was cancelled this

afternoon because of the storm that came thru late this afternoon. He stated he was

looking forward to next week’s Farmers’ Market.

Councilor Ryan continued by noting on tonight’s Consent Calendar the Town Council

would be voting “to transfer non-refundable over payments to the General Fund”. He

stated during the Finance Committee’s June 7, 2023 they discussed State Statute

12-129 which stated: “….over payments that were over three-years old cannot be

refunded and over payments under $5.00 may not be refunded”, which he understood.

However, he stated after the Finance Committee meeting he received a telephone call

from a resident who was on the Non-Refundable List, and was dismayed that their

overpayment was not being refunded noting that their overpayment was between $100 -

$150 over a two-year period. He stated in speaking with Tax Collector Kathy Demicis,

who was very helpful and informative, that she explained that the Tax Collector’s

Office sends letters to the party who paid the taxes to notify them that the taxes were

overpaid. However, he stated for people who have their taxes escrowed thru their

mortgage lender that the lender then employs a servicing company that pays the

property taxes. He stated in this particular case the servicing company was sent two

letters, but that neither of the letters made it to the resident to inform them that there

had been an overpayment of taxes. He stated that he directed the resident to the website

where they could see the history of the taxes paid and he suggested that they contact the

mortgage lender. However, he stated he did not think that residents should have to do

that. He stated in speaking with Tax Collector Kathy Demicis he asked whether her

Office could also send a copy of the overpayment letter to the property owner, in

addition to the servicing company. He stated Ms. Demicis explained that sending a

copy of the overpayment letter to the property owner was not a satisfactory solution

because the person living at the property may not actually be the property owner. He

stated although he did not have a recommendation on how this type of situation could

be resolved, that he wanted to make the Town Council aware of what was happening

with the overpayment of taxes.

Councilor Rodriguez noted the Non-Refundable Tax Overpayments List that was

provided to the Finance Committee was for overpayments that were three years old.

Therefore, she questioned whether the Non-Refundable Tax Overpayments List could

be provided every year and include the most current year. Chairman Dombrowski

stated the Town Council reviewed the Non-Refundable Tax Overpayments List on an

annual basis. He explained the keeping the Non-Refundable Tax Overpayments List

up-to-date to the current year was the Tax Collectors responsibility not the Town

Council’s responsibility.

Mayor Allyn, III, stated the Tax Collector does keep the Non-Refundable Tax

Overpayments List updated to the current year.

Chairman Dombrowski commented on the particular case Councilor Ryan mentioned

this evening, and he questioned if the servicing company was making the tax payment

how did the double payment of taxes occur. He stated if the servicing company made

the double tax payment and if the double payment was taken out of the escrowed

account, that it should have picked-up by the mortgage company in the arrears of the

escrow account. He also questioned whether the overpayment that was being discussed

this evening occurred in 2018 when there was a mil rate change and a supplemental tax

bill went out, noting that everyone received an additional billed amount mid-term

during that year. He stated if this was the case the tax bill could have been paid twice,

once by the servicing company and once by the property owner. Councilor Ryan stated

that the resident was a property owner in 2018 when the supplemental tax bill was

issued. However, he stated that he reviewed the resident’s tax records on-line, and that

the $100 - $150 overpayment was not related to the payment of the 2018 supplemental

tax bill. He stated the $100 - $150 was a combined overpayment that occurred over a

two-year period. He stated although it was not a significant amount that it was the

principle. Councilor Saums stated some of the tax overpayments were significant

noting that there were some that were $2,000. He stated the property owners should

contact their lender/escrow company. Councilor Ryan noted Councilor Saums’

comment and he stated that he suggested the resident contact their escrow company.

Councilor Ryan continued to note in speaking with Tax Collector Kathy Demicis that

the state statute does not require the town to notify when an overpayment was made,

but that it has been the town’s practice to do so. He stated he thought it was great that

the Tax Collector’s Office notifies when an overpayment has been made and he

suggested the Town make this practice a Town Policy. He concluded his comments by

stating that his guidance to the resident was to contact their bank, who they had been

with for many years, to try to resolve the matter.

Chairman Dombrowski thanked Councilor Ryan for his comments, noting that this was

the first time they had heard of such a situation, and appreciated his insight.

Councilor Ingalls stated at the Finance Committee’s June 7, 2023 meeting they learned

that the Permanent Municipal Building Committee (PNBC) was not holding their

meetings in a Hybrid Format and that they were not recording their meetings. She

stated that she has made Chairman Dombrowski aware of this, noting that he would be

picking up the baton. Councilor Saums stated when the Finance Committee discussed

their concern that the PMBC was not holding Hybrid meetings or recording the

meetings, noting that they meet at the Board of Education Central Office, that

Superintendent of Schools Jason Hartling, who was in attendance, stated that there was

equipment in the room for recording. Councilor Saums noted that anyone could record

a Zoom Meeting using their laptop. Chairman Dombrowski stated that he would send

PMBC Chairman Gary Schneider a letter regarding the matter, and that he planned to

attend one of their meetings. He stated he found this disconcerting noting that the

PMBC was responsible for overseeing and spending significant amounts of tax dollars,

and because one of the PMBC Members continues to send the Town Council emails

regarding transparency and other issues about access to minutes, noting that the PMBC

was one of the least transparent Committees.

VIII. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION to approve the Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes of May 24, 2023.

Moved by Councilor Rodriguez, seconded by Councilor McGrattan

VOTE: 7- 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

S. Naomi Rodriguez

RESULT:

MOVER:

Mary K. McGrattan

SECONDER:

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

Marshall, and Irwin

AYE:

EXCUSED:

IX.

COMMUNICATIONS

Communications List - June 14, 2023

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

referrals listed.

REFERALS

XI.

COUNCIL SUB COMMITTEE, LIAISON REPORTS

Administration Committee

Councilor Ingalls stated the Administration Committee met earlier this evening and

addressed the following: (1) Job Description Updates for the Library; and (2) Appointment

for the newly Combined Parks, Recreation, and Senior Citizens Commission. She noted

these items would be included on the Town Council’s June 28, 2023 Agenda. She also

announced that the Administration Committee would hold a Special Meeting on June 28,

2023 at 6:00 p.m. to address appointments to the Budget Transformation Committee. She

stated that she would entertain renaming the Committee to avoid misleading anyone about

the work that has been assigned to the Committee. She concluded by noting that this was a

short-term (4 month) initiative noting that their Final Report was due to the Town Council

on October 27, 2023.

RESULT:

Community Relations Committee

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

Council meeting. He noted their next meeting was scheduled for June 21, 2023 at 6:30 p.m.

RESULT:

Finance Committee

Councilor Saums stated the Finance Committee met on June 7, 2023 and he noted in

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

following: (1) Fiscal Year 2023/2024 State Revenues - Councilor Saums noted that

Finance Director Matthew Bonin reported that State revenue to Ledyard were expected to

be about $275,000 higher than projected, however, Mr. Bonin recommended the

Committee not change the proposed 34.56 Mil Rate. Councilor Saums stated the notable

revenues expected to come higher than budgeted were Education Cost Sharing (ECS);

Payment In Lieu Of Taxes (PILOT); Motor Vehicle Reimbursements. The Committee

discussed the increase in state revenues and agreed that past history has proven that state

revenue received did not always total up to the amount budgeted by the State Legislature;

(2) Board of Education Roof Projects - Owner’s Representative Services for Select

Capital Projects - Councilor Saums stated Finance Director Matthew Bonin reported that

he attended the PMBC June 5, 2023 meeting to follow-up on the PMBC’s Bid Waiver

request pertaining to their selection of STV Construction Inc. ($91,496). Councilor

Saums explained the Finance Committee denied the bid waiver request at their April 5,

2023 meeting because the PMBC had not followed Due Process by negotiating with one

company but not both companies that submitted bids in the first round, commenting that

this practice could open the town up to liabilities and lawsuits. He noted that it was his

understanding that there was some grousing by the PMBC regarding the Finance

Committee’s decision; however, he stated that his response to the PMBC was that the

town has to follow the laws, policies and regulations of the town. Councilor Saums went

on to state the PMBC rebid the work (LPS#23-01) and received the required three bids,

noting that the PMBC selected STV Construction Inc., who were the low bid; (3) Hybrid

Meetings & Recording - Councilor Saums the Permanent Municipal Building Committee

(PMBC) was not recording their meetings; nor were their meetings being made available

to the public for remote access (Hybrid Format). Councilor Saums stated the latter was a

violation of the Town’s Policy:#2022-03-23-01 “Policy And Guidelines For Remote

Meeting Participation” that was adopted on March 23, 2022 which stated: “…..Town’s

appointed Committees/Commissions/Boards may conduct all of their in-person meetings in a

Hybrid Format enabling both in-person and remote participation, providing the appropriate

technology and equipment is available at the physical meeting location”. He stated the

Finance Committee was unanimous in their opinion that PMBC meetings should be

hybrid meetings and due to the large dollar decisions made by the Committee, that the

meetings should also be recorded. He stated there was no excuse for this lack of

adherence to town policy; (4) Opioid Settlement Funding - Councilor Saums stated the

Finance Committee discussed but took no action on the opioid settlement proposal from

the Ledyard Prevention Coalition because no one from the Coalition was present to

answer questions; (5) 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 (Nip Bottles) - Councilor

Saums stated the Finance Committee discussed the use of the Solid Waste (nip) funding

the town received quarterly from the State, and agreed to keep the item on the agenda

until the fall, 2023. In the meantime, the Committee planned to come up with some

proposals for spending the money for an organized volunteer collection program. He

stated that Councilor Ingalls reported that the Ledyard Beautification Committee was

excited to participate and to perhaps host the collection effort. Councilor Saums stated

more would be forthcoming on this topic.

RESULT:

Land Use/Planning/Public Works Committee

Councilor Paul stated the LUPPW Committee met on June 5, 2023 and he noted in addition to

the one item they have on tonight’s Agenda the Committee also continued their work to update

the List of the Assignment of Administrative Control of Town-Owned or Town Leased

Properties.

RESULT:

Housing Authority

Councilor McGrattan stated UConn Health would be presenting an eight-week Seminar on

Health and Wellness at the Kings Corner Manor Senior Housing Facility in Gales Ferry. She

stated the residents would be able to select the subjects they would like to talk about.

Councilor McGrattan continued by reporting that the improvement projects at the Kings Corner

Manor Senior Housing Facility were moving along noting that they were working on the

sidewalks this week.

RESULT:

Ledyard Beautification Committee

Councilor Ingalls stated the Beautification Committee was getting their feet under them, noting

that they had a lot of new members. She stated that she spoke with Committee Chairman Jen

Eastbourne about the possibility for the Committee to head up the organization of the Roadside

Cleanup that would partner with non-profit organizations. She noted that the Finance Committee

was working to consider options to use the funding the town received from the Nip Bottle

Surcharge ( 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. (Nip Bottles) and to reward non-profits for helping

with the initiative. She stated the Beautification Committee was willing to participate in the

Roadside Cleanup project.

Councilor Rodriguez stated that she was aware of two residents who were interested in

serving on the Beautification Committee and that she would forward their names to the

Republican Nominating Committee Chairman Mike France to submit their appointment

applications. She also noted that the Ledyard Garden Club donated $100.00 to the

Beautification Committee, which was very generous.

Water Pollution Control Authority

Councilor Saums stated that although the WPCA has not met since the last Town Council

meeting that he wanted to report that the Smith & Loveless skid mounted pump station was up

and running. He complemented the Mayor, Wastewater Supervisor Steve Banks and WPCA

Chairman Ed Lynch for their work and oversight of the project.

RESULT:

XII. REPORT OF THE MAYOR

REPORT OF THE MAYOR:

Mayor Allyn, III, stated he had a fantastic trip abroad, noting he met a lot of terrific people.

He stated in speaking to people in England and Scotland that he found their countries were

incredibility similar on many things.

Mayor Allyn reported on the following: (1) State Legislative Session - Mayor Allyn stated

the Legislative Session was now closed and he noted the following: (a) Affordable Housing

Bill (Fair Share Bill) - Mayor Allyn stated a watered-down version was approved, noting

that $250,000 was put aside to conduct a State-Wide Affordable Housing Needs Study. The

1-2 year Study would begin later this year; (b) Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) - Mayor

Allyn stated $19 million was added to the PILOT Program, noting that Ledyard would

receive $1,000,994 or $75,894 more than the current year; (c) Early Voting - Mayor Allyn

stated $1.8 million was budgeted for Early Voting, noting Ledyard would receive $10,500

for next year; (d) Body Camera and Dash Camera Grants - Mayor Allyn stated Grant

Funding for Body Camera and Dash Cameras was extended thru Fiscal Year 2025; (e) Total

State Revenue to Ledyard was $334,706 more than projected with $203,00 for the General

Government and $111,000 for the Board of Education Cost Sharing + 1% (ECS); (3)

Wastewater Treatment Plan Skid Pump Station - Mayor Allyn stated as Councilor Saums

reported, the Smith & Loveless skid mounted pump station was up and running. He

complemented and thanked WPCA Chairman Ed Lynch Wastewater Supervisor Steve

Banks for their work and oversight of the project. He stated the old 240-volt transformers

were replaced with 208-volt transformers, which the new pumps required; (4) LED Signs

(American Rescue Plan Act Funding) - Mayor Allyn stated he was continuing to work with

the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) to obtain a Lease to place the LED

would require a lease from the State. He stated the Lease was a one-time cost of $500 for the

administration cost. He stated the LED Sign would be placed in-front of the Town Green; (5)

Road Work Projects - Mayor Allyn reported micro resurface work would begin tomorrow

(June 15, 2023) on Long Cove Road and Whalehead Road. He stated there would be

alternating traffic over the next week in the area.

Questions to the Mayor -

Councilor Ingalls addressed the $500.00 Connecticut Department of Transportation Lease

for the location of the LED Sign in Ledyard Center and she questioned whether this was an

annual fee. Mayor Allyn stated it was a one-time fee to pay for the administration of the

lease, which could involve a survey and other expenses. He explained there was no charge to

annually renew the lease.

Councilor McGrattan commented on the State-wide Affordable Housing Study (Fair Share

Bill), noting that they could wallpaper the town with the number of studies that have been

conducted on housing. She stated The New London Day Newspaper was currently doing a

housing study. She questioned who was going to be on the State’s Committee to conduct the

Housing Study and whether the State was going to take into consideration all the housing

studies that have already been done. Mayor Allyn stated it remains to be seen as to who

would be on the State’s Housing Study Committee. He noted Councilor McGrattan was

right, and he stated last year the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments

(SCCOG) conducted a Housing Study of the twenty-one SCCOG Towns; and therefore, they

questioned why the State would conduct a Housing Study in this area because a study was

already done, and he commented that this happens far too often. Councilor McGrattan

commented in conducting their study that the State would then come up with solutions that

the towns would not like and object to. Mayor Allyn stated the Fair Share Bill included a lot

of solutions the town’s did not like. Chairman Dombrowski commented that they would not

be able to conduct a State-Wide Housing Study for $250,000, noting that it would cost the

town $30,000 just to conduct a study on the Route 12 Corridor. Therefore, he questioned

how the State was going to be able conduct a study of Affordable Housing for 169

Municipalities. Mayor Allyn stated in the 11th hour of the Legislative Session they decided

to put the Fair Share Bill aside and came up with the Study. He stated that he agreed with the

Councilors’ comments, stating $250,000 was going to be about 10% of what the State would

need to conduct an Affordable Housing Study for the entire state.

Mayor Allyn continued by noting he tracked a number of House Bills that could have been

favorable for Ledyard, such as bringing the Pequot-Mohegan Fund Formulation up to level

that it was originally designed for. However, he stated the Pequot-Mohegan Fund

Formulation Bill along with number of other Bills did not make it through the State’s

Legislative process.

RESULT:

XIII. OLD BUSINESS

None.

XIV. NEW BUSINESS

CONSENT CALENDAR

MOTION to transfer tax accounts in the amount of $60,136.02 listed in the report dated May 31,

2023, to the “Suspense File”.

*1.

In addition, authorize the transfer of non-refundable over payments in the amount of $7,665.82

to the general fund listed in the report dated May 31, 2023.

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

RESULT:

MOTION to approve three tax refunds in the combined total amount of $8,419.16 with each

exceeding $2,400.00 in accordance with tax collector departmental procedures.

*2.

David Carman & Heather Hanson $2,438.42

Joseph St. Germain Jr.

Patricia Mignault

$2,653.86

$3,326.88

Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor McGrattan

VOTE: 7- 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Andra Ingalls

RESULT:

MOVER:

Mary K. McGrattan

SECONDER:

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

Marshall, and Irwin

AYE:

EXCUSED:

Finance Committee

MOTION to appropriate and transfer $201,239 from Account #10188210-59300

(Transferred Funds) to Account #2101402-49002 (CNR Transfers In);

In addition, appropriate $201,239 to Account #21070101-58261 (BOE CNR Ag-Science);

And authorize the Board of Education to spend up to $271,960 as outlined in the Board of

Education Agricultural Science & Technology (ASTE) 2022/2023 request.

Moved by Councilor Ryan, seconded by Councilor Ingalls

Discussion: Councilor Saums explained the town receives funding specifically for the

Vo-Ag Science Program. He noted for Fiscal Year 2022/2023 the town budgeted

$850,000 in the General Fund for Vo-Ag Science Funding (ASTE) Revenues. However,

he stated the town received $1,051,239 in funding; or $201,239 more than the projected

budgeted revenue. Therefore, he stated the Board of Education has requested

authorization to use the additional funding received for Vo-Ag Capital Items that were

needed. He stated the List of items for the Agricultural Science & Technology Education

was extensive noting that it included some large purchases and some smaller items as

well. He stated the Board of Education would solicit bids for the items that cost over

$15,000. He stated tonight’s action was to approve the Board of Education’s Agricultural

Science & Technology (ASTE) spending plan as listed above and to authorize them to

spend the additional $201,239 of ASTE Funding; plus $70,721 from their existing

Ag-Science Capital Funding for a total expenditure of $271,960.

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 Ryan

Marshall, and Irwin

AYE:

EXCUSED:

MOTION to authorize a bid waiver for CWPM, LLC for Bid No. 2023-08 (Oversized Bulky

Waste Removal) due to lack of three bids, in accordance with Ordinance #200-001 (rev 1)

“An Ordinance for Purchasing”.

Moved by Councilor Saums, seconded by Councilor Ingalls

Discussion: Councilor Saums explained that the Town solicits bids for Bulky Waste

Removal Services at the Transfer Station every two (2) years. He stated, as has been the

case the last several times, the Town did not receive three or more bids. . He stated of

the two proposals received CWPM, LLC (formerly Sterling Superior Waste) was the

low bidder versus Casella (formerly Willimantic Waster Paper Co., Inc. over the 2-year

period. He stated CWPM was the currently their hauler and was the lower bid received,

noting that cost was about a 16% increase over their current rate.

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 Ryan

Marshall, and Irwin

AYE:

EXCUSED:

MOTION to authorize the Parks, Recreation, & Senior Citizens Director to overspend

Senior Center General Fund 10130501-51800 ( Van Driver Wages) in the amount not to

exceed $3,500, to cover cost thru June 30, 2023.

Moved by Councilor Saums, seconded by Councilor Ryan

Discussion: Councilor Saums explained that Parks, Recreation, & Senior Center Director

Scott Johnson, Jr., was attending tonight’s meeting remotely to answer questions.

Councilors Saums stated that there has been an increased need for transportation for the

senior citizens; and therefore, additional funding was needed to carry them to the end of

this fiscal year (June 30, 2023).

Councilor Ryan stated that Mr. Johnson included the additional funding for these

expenses in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Budget.

VOTE: 7 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Bill Saums

RESULT:

MOVER:

Tim Ryan

SECONDER:

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

Marshall, and Irwin

AYE:

EXCUSED:

MOTION authorize the Parks, Recreation, & Senior Citizens Director to overspend Parks &

Recreation General Fund 10160101-56220 (Electricity) in the amount not to exceed $5,200;

to cover utility costs thru June 30, 2023.

Moved by Councilor Saums, seconded by Councilor Ingalls

Discussion: Councilor Saums stated the cost of electricity has increased, noting the rate

increase that occurred in January, 2023 was not budgeted. Therefore, additional funding

was needed to cover electricity expenses thru the end of the fiscal year (June 30, 2023).

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 Ryan

Marshall, and Irwin

AYE:

EXCUSED:

Town of Ledyard Public Hearing Legal Notice - Neighborhood Assistance Act - Habitat for

Humanity.

Moved by Councilor Saums, seconded by Councilor Ryan

Discussion: Councilor Saums explained the State Department of Revenue Services in

conjunction with large corporations developed the Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA)

which provided a tax credit to businesses that make donations to nonprofits for projects

approved by their local governments. He stated the NAA was not a grant program, it was

a “corporation donation” initiative in which corporations could partner with non-profit

organizations to sponsor or make donations toward an approved project for which they

would receive a tax credit.

Councilor Saums went on to explain that last year the town approved this Habitat for

Humanity project to support a full rehabilitation of a single-family split-level home

located at 42 Laurel Leaf Drive, Gales Ferry, for the Non-Profit Organization (Habitat for

Humanity) to be eligible to apply for the Neighborhood Assistance Tax Credit Program.

However, he stated because the timing was very close to the deadline, the project was not

eligible for the application by the time all of the paperwork was completed. He stated the

only cost to the town was to publish a Notice in the newspaper and hold a Public

Hearing. He stated tonight’s motion was to schedule the Public Hearing for June 28,

2023. He noted Ms. Bernadette Drennen, Habitat for Humanity Representative was

present this evening remotely.

Ms. Bernadette Drennen, Habitat for Humanity Representative, thanked the Town

Council for their support which would allow Habitat for Humanity to apply for the

Neighborhood Assistance Act Program. She stated the work to the outside of the 42

Laurel Leaf Drive home has been completed. She stated the family that would be

assigned to the home would be putting 200- 300 hours of sweat equity into the home.

VOTE: 7 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Bill Saums

RESULT:

MOVER:

Tim Ryan

SECONDER:

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

AYE:

Marshall, and Irwin

EXCUSED:

MOTION to approve Standing Bid Waivers as follows: Vendors included in the Town of

Ledyard Standing Bid Waiver List for FY2024, Capital Region Purchasing Council Bids,

State of Connecticut bids, other states' bids, and Federal Government.

Moved by Councilor Saums, seconded by Councilor Ingalls

Discussion: Councilor Saums provided some background noting that in accordance with

Ordinance #200-001 entitled “An Ordinance for Purchasing” the purchasing thresholds

were as follows: (1) For purchases of goods or services between $5,000 - $14,999 the

Town shall solicit a minimum of three quotes; and (2) For purchases over $15,000, a

minimum of three (3) proposals are required through a competitive bid process.

Councilor Saums explained that annually the Town Council reviews and approves a

“Standing Bid Waiver List” for unique vendors, lowest possible prices obtainable, sole

vendors, and fewer than three bidder situations, noting that the Town’s Purchasing

Ordinance requires them to request competitive bids for items in excess of $15,000. He

stated the town would solicit bids for the Auditing Firm (Annual Audit Report) at the

end of the contract.

Councilor Saums stated the Finance Committee reviewed the Standing Bid Waiver List

that was presented for the upcoming fiscal year (23/24) stating that they were

comfortable with the vendors listed, noting that it would be disruptive to change some of

the providers on the List.

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 Ryan

Marshall, and Irwin

AYE:

EXCUSED:

MOTION to set a Fiscal Year 2023/2024 a Real Estate and Personal Property Mil Rate of

34.56 and a Motor Vehicle Mil Rate of 32.46.

Moved by Councilor Saums, seconded by Councilor Ryan

Discussion: Councilor Saums stated at the May 16, 2023 Referendum the townspeople

approved a Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Budget in the amount of: $64,540,940 (GG

$28,632,572; and BOE $35,908,368) which represented a 0.75 mil increase over the

current year. He stated the 34.56 Mil Rate was as presented during the Annual Town

Meeting Budget Presentation to the townspeople.

Councilor Saums went on to explain beginning with the Fiscal Year 2022/2023 the State

implemented a Car Tax Cap. He stated in accordance with State Statute 12-71e (a)(3)

the Car Tax Cap has been set at 32.46 mills; and he explained the State would provide

funding to the Municipalities whose Mil Rate exceed 32.4 mils to offset loss of car

taxes to the Municipalities due to the state’s cap.

VOTE: 7 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Bill Saums

RESULT:

MOVER:

Tim Ryan

SECONDER:

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

Marshall, and Irwin

AYE:

EXCUSED:

Land Use/Planning/Public Works Committee

Public Hearing Legal Notice:

10.

The transfer/conveyance to Avalonia Land Conservancy the following:

(1) 334 Colonel Ledyard Highway (Vol. 604 Pg 763) 29,752 +/-SF

(2) 538R Colonel Ledyard Highway ( Vol. 99 Pg 139)

3.32 +/- Acres

Moved by Councilor Paul, seconded by Councilor Rodriguez

Discussion: Councilor Paul deferred to Mayor Allyn, III, to provide the background

regarding the conveyance of these two properties.

Mayor Allyn provided an overview of the conveyance of the two town-owned properties

to Avalonia Land Conservancy, noting that these two parcels would provide access to the

Founders Preserve (approximate 96.52 +/- acres) property, which the townspeople

approved to convey to Avalonia at the October 28, 2020 Special Town Meeting.

334 Colonel Ledyard Highway: Mayor Allyn stated this has been a blighted property for

many years. He stated as he has reported during previous Town Council Meetings, (

January 25, 2023; March 8, 2023; April 12, 2023; April 26, 2023; May 24, 2023) the last

time the town placed a Blight Lien (4th blight lien) on the property owner offered the

town the deed in lieu of foreclosure, because he did not want to pay the lien. Mayor Allyn

stated the town has since acquired the property and was in the process of obtaining a

Demolition Permit for the condemned house. He stated the structure had 36 inches of

asbestos in the roofing mastic which would be removed. He noted today the town

received from Ledge Light Health District the Permit to Abandon the Well, which would

involve filling the well with gravel. He stated the town would remove the structure from

the property and then convey it to Avalonia Land Conservancy. He stated this 29,752 +-/

strip of land would provide frontage and suitable public access to the open space

Founders Preserve (approximate 96.52 +/- acres) property.

Mayor Allyn went on to note that he read the Land Use/Planning/Public Works

Committee’s June 5, 2023 meeting minutes and he stated that he was scratching his head

on many of the comments made by Land Use Director, Juliet Hodge regarding the GIS

Mapping System versus the Map. He stated as nice as they were to have on-line the GIS

Maps was not the gospel. He stated Avalonia Land Conservancy hired Surveyor Eric

Seitz, who was conducting an A2 Survey of the property, which was the highest quality

survey available. He stated Mr. Seitz was nearly 90% done with his work, noting that a

small jog was made to allow for the correct side-yard setback to account for a small

two-car garage that was associated with a town-owned parcel located at 332 Colonel

Ledyard Highway. He stated that he would be stunned if the work required could not be

completed in time to meet the September 13, 2023 timeline to hold the Public Hearing in

accordance with CGS 7-143e and the Special Town Meeting in accordance with Chapter

VII, Section 9 of the Town Charter.

Mayor Allyn continued by explaining that Avalonia Land Conservancy has indicated that

they would gravel this area to provide a parking lot that would accommodate about 8 - 10

cars and provide good access to the open space Founders Preserve Property.

538R Colonel Ledyard Highway: Mayor Allyn stated this parcel was comprised of

two-flag lots. He stated around 2015 several lots were created on the north side of the

property for the Outback Stables Subdivision on Colonel Ledyard Highway, which

included an open space parcel to meet the Subdivision Requirements. He stated the 3.32

+/- acre parcel (538 Colonel Ledyard Highway) was located behind the two flag lots and

was landlocked. He stated Avalonia Land Conservancy Vice-President Dennis Main

contacted him and informed him that they would be acquiring, and have since done so,

land from The Nature Conservancy. He stated that Mr. Main explained that 535R

Colonel Ledyard Highway would be beneficial to Avalonia Land Conservancy because it

was on a high side of a large swamp. He stated this parcel would allow people, who

were accessing the open space, to walk on the higher, dry side of the swamp. He stated

this property would be contiguous to land that Avalonia Land Conservancy recently

acquired, and therefore, it would be a good parcel to convey to them. He addressed Land

Use Director Juliet Hodge’s comment regarding the ownership of the property, noting

that Ms. Hodge may not have seen the paperwork in which Avalonia Land Conservancy

recorded the deed for the property they received from The Nature Conservancy in Town

Hall on May 22, 2023. He stated the map that he included in LF 23-1717 on the Granicus

Meeting Portal showed that the parcel did not connect to anything that the town had, but

that it did connect to property Avalonia Land Conservancy owned. He stated Avalonia

Land Conservancy has shown that they were great stewards of open space properties.

Chairman Dombrowski stated Conservation Commission Chairman Michael Marelli has

been talking about the Conservation Commission taking on the administrative control of

538R Colonel Ledyard Highway. However, he stated that conveying the property to

Avalonia Land Conservancy was a better approach.

Chairman Dombrowski noted the conveyance of these two parcels were contingent upon

the Planning & Zoning Commission conducting an 8-24 Review and he asked

Administrative Assistant Roxanne Maher to forward a request to the Planning & Zoning

Commission to conduct an 8-24 Review.

VOTE: 7 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Gary Paul

RESULT:

MOVER:

S. Naomi Rodriguez

SECONDER:

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

Marshall, and Irwin

AYE:

EXCUSED:

General Business

Discussion and possible action regarding the Town Council’s Summer Meeting Schedule.

11.

Chairman Dombrowski stated historically the Town Council has cancelled one meeting

in July and one meeting in August. The Town Council discussed their

availability/summer vacation plans.

By consensus the Town Council agreed to cancel the following regular meetings:

· July 12, 2023

· August 9, 2023

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

RESULT:

Discuss Work Session Items as time permits.

None.

12.

XV. ADJOURNMENT

Councilor Rodriguez, moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilor Paul

VOTE: 7 - 0 Approved and so declared. The meeting adjourned at 7:52 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 June 14, 2023.

________________________________________

Kevin J. Dombrowski, Chairman

DISCLAIMER: