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 28, 2023

7:00 PM

Town Hall Council Chambers

In-Person: Council Chambers Town Hall Annex

Remote: Information noted below:

Join Zoom Meeting from your Computer, Smart Phone or Tablet:

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WORKING DRAFT

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 Mary K. McGrattan

Councilor S. Naomi Rodriguez

Councilor Tim Ryan

Councilor Whit Irwin

Councilor Gary Paul

Excused:

Councilor John Marshall

IV.

PRESENTATIONS

None.

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

MINUTES

Mr. Chris Glacken, 5 Allyn Lane, Gales Ferry, addressed propaganda signs from the

Organization Patriot Front that were found on utility poles along Route 12 in Gales Ferry

on Monday, June 26, 2023. He stated today, signs were spotted on utility poles along

Route 12 in Preston and in Waterford and in other Connecticut towns. He provided some

background regarding the Patriot Front noting the group was an off-shoot of Vanguard

America who participated in the Unite the Right in Charlottesville, Virginia. He stated

according to the Antidefamation League that Patriot Front was a white supremist group

whose members maintain that their ancestors conquered America and bequeathed it to

them and no one else. He stated the Group published a manifesto containing the

following:

“Those of foreign birth may occupy civil status within the lands occupied by the state, and

they may even be dutiful citizens, yet they may not be American. Membership within the

American nation is inherited through blood, not ink. Even those born in America may yet

be foreign...Nationhood cannot be bestowed upon those who are not of the founding stock

of our people, and those who do not share the common spirit that permeates our greater

civilization, and the European diaspora...In order to survive as a culture, a heritage, and

a way of being, our nation must learn that its collective interests are fighting against its

collective threats of replacement and enslavement...The damage done to this nation and

its people will not be fixed if every issue requires the approval and blessing from the

dysfunctional American democratic system. Democracy has failed in this once great

nation.”

Mr. Glacken stated the Patriot Front’s manifesto was quite extensive and he read the

following two paragraphs:

“When our pre-Columbian forefathers left their European homes, they found a savage

continent. They held a variety of purpose, yet against the harsh life on the frontier and

the common enemy in the strange and unexplored reaches of America yet to be touched

by civilization, they found a common cause and a common identity as Americans. From

the varied nations and cultures of Europe a new nation was forged in the flames of

conquest. E Pluribus Unum was the new creed that bound our people together with their

pan-European identity as Americans. To be an American is to be a descendant of

conquerors, pioneers, visionaries, and explorers. This unique identity was given to us by

our ancestors, and this national spirit remains firmly rooted in our blood.

Our mission is a hard reset on the nation we see today- a return to the traditions and

virtues of our forefathers. The same spirit that urged our ancestors onward to create

this nation will once again be brought to light, and a new America will be built within

its current dilapidated, shameful iteration. Generation after generation lived in war and

strife so that their descendants may know peace. It was their duty to give their lives in

such a way. The torch is now passed to our generation, and it is our duty to make their

sacrifices mean something.”

Mr. Glacken stated these excerpts from the Patriot Front Manifesto was disturbing rhetoric that

he hoped the leadership in this community does not support. He stated as a member of the

United States Military he does not support this. He stated although there were many people who

say that they do not have these kinds of issues in Ledyard, that he would like highlight a few

things he has observed or experienced over the last two-years as follows:

· Ledyard High School Girls Basketball game, February 5, 2022 - Mr. Glacken

questioned how many town leaders came out to support the Girls Basketball Team

after the disgusting interaction that occurred by the parents of the Colchester team.

He stated there were a few town leaders here tonight that came out, however, he

stated there were many that did not.

· Counter to Social Justice - Mr. Glacken stated one member of this Town Council

suggested the counter to social justice and that this should be part of the training for

school staff. He stated that he has yet to see that proposal or what it contained. He

stated he did not know why they would want to counter social justice.

· Seeking Election to Town Council - Mr. Glacken stated while he was away on

deployment his wife, Nicole Cruz-Glacken, ran to serve on the Town Council; and a

current member of the Youth and Social Services Board labeled his wife a cop hater.

He stated he was active duty military and he had a 21-year old son who was serving in

the United States Army and was currently overseas. He stated because his wife dared

to say “Maybe we should rethink the way were police funded and how we spend our

money” she had a target put on her back. He stated he was not happy about that,

noting that it was hard enough to run a family while a member was deployed, much

less have hateful rhetoric as he described posted on the “Back the Blue” website,

which was supposed to be non-political.

· Social Media Forum Postings - Mr. Glacken stated he was called a “White Devil” and

his wife was called a “Terrorist” on social media forums, including the Republican

Town Committee homepage. He stated when he asked if they would take down this

rhetoric, the Social Media Administrator’s replied with the posting of the definitions

of what a White Devil and Terrorist was, and implying that the shoe fits, wear-it.

· Candidate Nominations - Mr. Glacken stated a member of the community who was

nominated to be appointed to the Planning & Zoning Commission, had postings on his

webpage of Muslim Skull Crusher and Illegal Alien Hunter, etc. However, he stated

no one researched the background of the individual. He stated although the

individual’s nomination was withdrawn; and he was not appointed to serve on the

Planning & Zoning Commission, that he also applied to serve as a volunteer on the

Ledyard Fire Department.

Mr. Glacken stated the reason he was bringing all of these issues to the Town Council was

because it is an issue, it’s a nationwide issue, it’s a Connecticut issue, it’s a Ledyard issue

and leaders cannot be quiet about it. He stated we have to be forceful in opposing this

stuff. He concluded his comments by stating that it was imperative that we send a unified

message that this rhetoric would not be tolerated in Ledyard. He thanked the Town

Council for their time.

Chairman Dombrowski thanked Mr. Glacken for his comments.

Ms. Nicole Cruz-Glacken, 5 Allyn Lane, Gales Ferry, presented two Patriot Front signs

that were posted on Route 12, Gales Ferry near the border of Ledyard and Preston, which

was not far from where she and her family lived. She questioned whether it mattered

when people who looked like her did not feel safe in a community. She stated when she

took the signs down, while her children were in the car, that she thought about

opportunity; and the opportunities that have and have not been taken this community.

She noted the opportunity to show up for our children when they were telling us with

their words and their experiences; the opportunity to show up for our girls when there

was maybe a slight chance that they were called the “N” word; the opportunity to

denounce the real threat for people who looked like her to live under when they dared to

challenge the status quo; and when the official and unofficial network comes together to

put a target on their back. She stated that she knew the picture was there because it was

on her social media page, because she believed in Black Liberation; and she truly

believed in Liberty and Justice for All; which was why she would stand when she saw

leaders, in her community making that ring true for all of us. She stated that she did not

propose Social Justice to start a fight. She stated she proposed Social Justice because

some of us would have a mythical idea of who they would be in the 1960 and during the

Civil Rights Movement. However, she stated they no longer need to have that amount of

imagination because it was the year 2023 and she was living up the road from where the

Patriot Front signs were posted; and the signs keep getting put up. She stated when she

was running to serve on the Town Council, even though she may have been an opponent,

and they say never say never, but that she would hope that she never and she has not done

anything put anyone’s life in danger. She stated while her husband was deployed,

defending peoples right to say “Freedom of Speech” and when they use hatred and ill,

and in the box thinking; instead of breaking the box and burning it. She stated she took a

chance on herself, she took a chance on her community, because although we sometimes

do have opposing points of view, they happen to be never more disrespectful and

demeaning when they talk about people of color, and their competency, and their

experience. She stated she did not have Town Council experience, but she had life

experience. She stated she has been a mother since she was seventeen, she had three

more children since that she birthed and raised while her husband was here, there, and

everywhere in-between, because that was a true patriot. She stated for all the accolades

people will speak out of their mouths, that for people like her, the wives like her, the

mothers like her, that sometimes she did not get the respect that she deserved unless she

was with her husband, and sometimes she did not get it then, because those are the

people that were angry that they were together in the first place. She stated that she knew

that and that she did not need anybody to tell her if it was true or not, especially if you

have no idea. She stated she thought she had expressed clearly before, but she did not

think anyone had any idea about how she felt, when she saw her picture on the social

media site, calling her a Cop Hater, when she was at home preparing her son to serve in

this nation. So nobody could defend her because she did not stand for a Pledge. Being

called a Terrorist, she stated as a woman of color, here in this predominantly white town,

and then hiding it under Free Speech. She stated that she worried for her safety because

she was a candidate for the Town Council and she was out knocking on doors to speak to

the people of Ledyard, whether they agreed with her, or not. She stated knew her heart

and she knew what she said to be true, and she believed in God and in a higher power,

and she reads the Quran, and she reads the Bible and the Torah, because she was not

going to box herself in. She stated when you have things like that explained away, people

like herself absolutely have to reserve the right to show up and demand from their

government that you do better. Do something, say something, show up, have enough

humility to apologize sometimes. She stated she worked her but off for this town

knocking on those doors, not for the seat, not for the clout, but for the culture, not for the

vote, but for the people. She stated she knocked on doors while her husband was gone,

and while she prepared her son to join the Army, not knowing he would get stationed

overseas. Not knowing if people, or children that go to school with her children, might

have heard something about her and then say something to her kids. She stated is a

possibility, and we all know this. She stated she worked hard, harder than she thought

anybody here could imagine, because she did not have the experience, she did not have

the legacy, and she did not come from here, and she was an outsider, and her father was

Muslim, noting he passed away in February, 2023. She stated before that she was

diagnosed with depression and anxiety, with her main diagnosis being Post Traumatic

Stress Disorder (PTSD). She stated now she lived across the street from a construction

site where the workers like to talk about “Sand Niggers”; she stated she was only saying

that word because if she had to hear so do you, and that she knew that it did not hit them

the same way it hit her. She stated it made her feel like “What did she need to do to put

herself in a position to be protected”. She stated questioned when she had to call the

Ledyard Police Department because she did not feel safe sitting on her own porch,

whether the character of the town matter then. She stated it could not only matter because

they did not want to look bad; she stated it was about doing the right thing. It was about

walking that walk that people talk about; it was about having a little humility and

humbling yourself; and working together for the greater good, instead of circulating a

picture to ask if I agreed with sentiments, because it said “Blue Lives” . She stated they

do not see “ Black Lives” and we do not see “White Lives” and we do not see “Brown

Lives” and we do not see “Yellow Lives”; because color does not exist right?; until you

have something to say about “Blue Lives”; and that it always seemed to be that way,

unfortunately. She stated that she did not need to know what it would feel like to live in

1965; and she did not need to ask herself to imagine what she would do, because she was

here. She stated that they now all have the opportunity to do the right thing…..Do the

right thing. She stated people want to be politicians, which was fine, she was not a

politician, she stated she was an activist, she was grassroots. She stated Power to the

People meant all of them, and the ones that were hurting the most, and the ones who

have been marginalized in this country, where some other people, who may not be

responsible for it, but they perpetuate it by the language they use, by calling something so

threating a misstep, by questioning the competency of educators of color. She stated she

worked for Ledyard Public Schools, she has helped children, she has nurtured children.

She stated the children got love from her at school that she knew they were not getting at

home. She stated if she could, that she would open her door to all of the children, but that

she had to have balance, because she had a family to take care of, even in the midst of all

this nonsense. She stated you people were not heartless, a lot of us were caught up in a

lot of mess; and that it was difficult to do something different. She stated in the last few

months of her life things have been very different; and she picked herself up and kept

pushing. She stated in the words of Lauren Hill, “she got her feet beneath her and she got

her hands beneath her.” Thank you,

Chairman Dombrowski thanked Ms. Cruz-Glacken for her comments.

Ms. Nina Diaz, 1546 Route 12, Gales Ferry, commented on the signs from a White

Supremacist group that were found on utility poles along Route 12 in Gales Ferry and

were taken down today. She stated today was not the first day the signs were taken down.

She stated yesterday at 6:15 a.m. the signs were not up when she left her home to bring

her daughter the Childrens Hospital in Farmington; and that the signs were not up and

when she returned to Gales Ferry at 11:00 a.m. However, she stated today the signs were

back up, noting in a very short-time the signs went up, the signs came down, and then

the signs went back up again first thing this morning. She stated the signs that were

removed yesterday were brought to the Ledyard Police Department, noting that the

Ledyard Police Department had to be educated on who Patriot Font was. She stated the

person who was putting the signs up was someone in or near their community. She stated

this was something that they have been speaking about for years; but that they feel like

they were yelling at a brick wall. She stated there was a very real problem here in

Ledyard. She stated as Ms. Cruz-Glacken stated, it was time for their leadership to

speak-up and educate themselves if they were not familiar, and to understand why they

were passionate about these topics. She stated the fight is real, noting that it may not

affect anyone sitting at the dais this evening, however, she stated every day it affected

people like Ms. Cruz-Glacken, and her husband, and her children. She rhetorically

questioned whether Ms. Cruz-Glacken was supposed to feel safe in our community or

was she supposed to leave as was posted on the Republican Town Committee’s social

media page, noting that was the message they get from their community, when they

raised these issues. She asked that the town’s leadership education themselves and to

start speaking up, because not all of the community believed in this.

Chairman Dombrowski thanked Ms. Diaz for her comments.

VI.

COMMITTEE COMMISSION AND BOARD REPORTS

None.

VII. COMMENTS OF TOWN COUNCILORS

Councilor Rodriguez stated yesterday a Ledyard resident discovered and removed four

signs belonging to a known white supremacist group that appeared along Route 12,

Route 214 in Ledyard, Preston, and in Waterford. The signs belong to a group known

for this kind of activity and we thank the resident for photographing and removing

them. This group, and others like it, have no place here in Ledyard. She stated signs

such as these do not in any way reflect Ledyard and its values, and we condemn them

in the strongest possible terms. She stated that there was no information about who

placed the signs there, but the resident has notified the appropriate authorities,

including Ledyard Police Department, State Legislators, Anti-Defamation League

(ADL) Connecticut Chapter and the National Association for the Advancement of

Colored People (NAACP) so that they may investigate. She stated that this was not the

first time Ledyard has seen this kind of imagery. She noted in the spring of 2020, there

were several instances of hateful imagery in the town. She stated it was not okay then,

and it is not okay now. She stated residents who see signs like these were encouraged

to notify the Ledyard Police Department with any information. Thank you.

Councilor Saums stated that he echoed Councilor Rodriguez’s comments, noting that it

was well said. He stated notifying the Police was the right thing to do in this situation.

He stated it was his personal intention to do the same thing if he saw signs like the ones

presented this evening, noting that he would take the signs down, notify the Police, and

that he hoped that he could catch someone who was putting up the signs. He stated he

did a little research on the Patriot Front Group, noting that as of 2021 they had

200-300 members in the entire country. He stated they were started by a teenager

noting that they were fringe element. He stated that he agreed that this small number of

people do not represent this Town, they do not represent the values of this State, or this

Nation, and that they certainly do not represent democracy.

Councilor Ingalls stated that she concurred with the Councilors comments.

Chairman Dombrowski stated he echoed Councilor Rodriguez’s and Councilor Saums’

comments. He stated as he has stated in past when previous incidents occurred in town,

and that he believed that he could speak for the entire Town Council, in that they abhor

discrimination. He stated they do not stand behind and they do not support the actions

that have occurred. He stated as Councilor Saums stated, if they saw this type of

discrimination that they would call it out. Unfortunately, he stated other than reporting

these incidents to the Police that he did not know what else they could do. He stated

that they could sit here all day long and say that they do not support white supremacist

groups and that they do not support discrimination, and that Ledyard stands united in

standing against white supremacist groups. He commented on the importance not to

give these types of white supremacist groups any recognition.

Ms. Ann Holland, 824 Colonel Ledyard Highway, Ledyard, interjected stating that they

could not ignore it. Chairman Dombrowski stated that he did not say that they should

ignore the activity. He stated that they should not give these types of white supremacist

groups and discrimination activities any advertisement/recognition. Ms. Holland asked

Chairman Dombrowski to answer the question “What were they going to do about it;

What can they do to prevent it”. Chairman Dombrowski stated the floor was not open

for public comment, noting that the Town Council was speaking at this time. Ms.

Holland asked Chairman Dombrowski to answer the question. Chairman Dombrowski

stated that he did not know what they could do to prevent it. Ms. Holland stated it was

meaningless, and that they should educate themselves. Chairman Dombrowski used the

gavel and called a Point of Order. Ms. Diaz stated there were people in this room that

had Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Ms. Cruz-Glacken and Ms. Holland left the meeting at 7:25 p.m.

Councilor Rodriguez stated this small Patriots First group has been wreaking havoc in

Middletown, noting that they were trying to get their footing in Connecticut. She stated

in Middletown the Police Department was taking a strong fight against it. She stated in

2020 that both she and her son saw an incident that was heartbreaking. She stated the

first thing she did was to call Ledyard Police Chief John Rich; who then called the

State. She stated they did their best, and the incident was removed. She recommended

when “Someone sees Something to Say Something” and to let the Police Department

know. She stated that it hurts.

Councilor Ryan stated Councilor Rodriguez’s comments were well said, specifically

noting that “If you See Something, Say Something”. He noted this was also something

that was said in the workplace as well; and that they should be encouraging residents

to do the same. He noted as other Councilors have said; discrimination of any group

has no home in Ledyard. He stated if residents see something they should say

something as they did in this case, noting that it was brought to the proper authorities,

and education took place. He thanked the residents for bringing the matter to their

attention.

Mr. Glacken asked if he could have another thirty seconds. Chairman Dombrowski

replied “No”.

Mr. Glacken and Ms. Diaz left the meeting at 7:27 p.m.

VIII. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION to approve the following Town Council Minutes

Special Meeting Minutes of June 14, 2023

Regular Meeting Minutes of June 14, 2023

Moved by Councilor Irwin, seconded by Councilor McGrattan

VOTE: 7- 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Whit Irwin

RESULT:

MOVER:

Mary K. McGrattan

SECONDER:

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

Paul, and Marshall

AYE:

EXCUSED:

IX.

COMMUNICATIONS

Communications List - June 28, 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 to address

appointments to the Committee to Review the Budget Process. She noted that the Committee

had a number of Job Descriptions and other appointments on tonight’s agenda.

RESULT:

Community Relations Committee

Councilor Saums stated the Community Relations Committee met on June 21, 2023, and

that the Committee was looking forward to their first Public Informational Booth for this

summer that would be held at the July 19, 2023 Farmers Market. He stated they would be

highlighting Mental Health Awareness and services that were available for those in-need.

He stated the 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 such as:; 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. He

stated they would also be joined once again 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 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. He stated that the

Community looked forward to engaging the community and hoped that everyone could join

them. He reminded residents to mark their calendars for the following Informational Booths

scheduled for: August 30, 2023 - Library Services - Councilor Saums they would be

providing information regarding the services the Library offered. He stated at the closing of

the Farmers Market the Library would host an Library Open House and give a short

presentation; September 19, 2023- Hometown Heroes- First Responder - Councilor Saums

stated that representatives and information from both the Ledyard Center Fire Department

and the Gales Ferry Fire Department and how residents could volunteer, along with Law

Enforcement Careers. He stated the Committee was also planning to have information

available to residents about how they could volunteer and get involved in the town’s

committee/commissions/boards with a list of current openings and how the process worked.

He thanked Administrative Assistant Roxanne Maher for creating the handout regarding the

appointing authority for each of the town’s committees, and how to apply on-line, etc.

Councilor Saums stated that the Committee also discussed joining the newly combined

Parks, Recreation, and Senior Citizens Commission for an Informal Conversation at the Park

on East Drive (Christy Hill Park) as a follow-up to the Conversation they began with

residents last summer (July 20, 2022). He stated that they have also been discussing the

possibility to tour the many recreational parks in Ledyard and Gales Ferry.

RESULT:

Finance Committee

Councilor Saums stated the Finance Committee met on June 21, 2023 and he noted in

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

(1) Year-to-Date Budget - Councilor Saums stated that Finance Director Matthew Bonin

reported on the following: (a) Expenses - Year-to-Date Expenses were running at about the

same rate he has been reporting throughout the year, noting that Specially Approved Counsel

(due to multiple land use issues), Utilities, and Dispatch Salaries have come in higher than

budgeted; (b) Revenues - State Revenue was expected to come in higher than projected;

Interest Income was expected to come in near the half million mark, all because of a change

in accounts and the interest rate on deposits requested by the Finance Department; (2) Opioid

Settlement Funding - The Committee discussed the Ledyard Prevention Coalition’s $40,000

Opioid Settlement proposal with Senior Program Health Coordinator Kerensa Mansfield.

The Committee asked questions about the details of the proposal, including line items for

staff wages, and Narcan expenses, but made no decisions; (3) Nip Bottle Surcharge

Revenues - The Committee continued to discuss ways to invest/use the funding the town

received from the Solid Waste (nip surcharge revenues) Reimbursement Program. Councilor

Saums stated the Committee expanded on the idea of offering local non-profit organizations

the opportunity to collect nip bottles in return for cash, using two-gallon Ziplock bags as the

method for counting the bottles collected. Councilor Saums explained that Organizations

would purchase the bags on their own and receive a payment for every Ziplock bag full of

nip bottles that they collected. He stated partially full bags and items other than nip bottles

would be disqualified. The program could start once the roadside vegetation has died back

from the frost, with the potential support from the Ledyard Beautification Committee that

Councilor Ingalls (Beautification Committee Liaison) has been bringing along thru this

planning process.

RESULT:

Land Use/Planning/Public Works Committee

Chairman Dombrowski stated the LUPPW Committee has not met since their last Town Council

meeting. He noted their meeting scheduled for Monday, July 3, 2023 would be cancelled.

RESULT:

Senior Citizens Commission

Councilor Rodriguez stated the Senior Citizens Commission met earlier today. She reported the

following: (1) American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding - The Senior Citizens Center used

$5,000 for the installation of automatic door openers for the bathrooms; and they were happy with

how they operated; (2) Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) - The HVAC work has

been completed and the Senior Citizens were grateful for the air conditioning; (3) Senior Citizens

Van - The Senior Citizens would like to use the Van to take Seniors to the Farmers’ Market on

Wednesday afternoons from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.; (4) Liaison for new Combined Parks, Recreation,

and Senior Citizens Commission - Councilor Rodriguez stated the Commission would like to know

who their Town Council Liaison would be. Councilor Rodriguez stated that this would be her final

report for the Senior Citizens Commission.

Water Pollution Control Authority

Councilor Saums stated the WPCA met on June 27, 2023 and discussed the following: (1)

Ledyard Center Water Storage Tank - The painting of the top of the Ledyard Center Water

Storage Tank has not yet begun, and the painter has not responded to repeated attempts to

contact them. Groton Utilities would notify the painter that they were in default, and then

look for replacement contractor. Councilor Saums suggested Mayor Allyn, III, keep an eye

on this matter; (2) Holmberg Water Storage Tank - The Holmberg tank needed to be

re-inspected; (3) Thames River interconnection - Groton Utilities would be replacing the

meter on the Thames River interconnection at no cost to Ledyard; (4) Wastewater Treatment

Sewer Pump - Councilor Saums noted ss previously reported, the Smith and Loveless above

ground skid mounted sewer pump was installed and running, and the old pit could be retired.

He noted in using the old pit that the Fire Department would be on stand-by in case the pit

collapsed. Photos were provided; (5) Multi-Model Trail - An Agreement has been reached

by all parties on the Design Plan for the Multi-Model Trail and work could proceed; (6)

Baldwin Hill Home Well - The WPCA continued to evaluate options for a homeowner on

Baldwin Hill Road whose well has run dry. One option was a new watermain from Route 12

to supply the homes along that road. The Town Planner was also involved in connection with

a blasting permit requested for a nearby property; (7) Route 12 Chlorination Station - A

formal request has been made and approved by Department of Public Health (DPH) to

inactivate the chlorination station on Route 12 since more water passes through the system

now than when it was built, which made the station unnecessary to its current or future

operation; (8) Watermain Flushing - Flushing of watermains throughout town was complete;

(9) WPCA Policy Manual - Councilor Saums stated the WPCA continued to work on the

WPCA Policy Manual, and that they accepted the suggestion to combine the Customer

Handbook with the Policy Manual; (10) Ledyard Center Water System - Groton Utilities was

installing a system to measure free chlorine and pH, which contributes to Total

Trihalomethanes (TTHM) concentration, and therefore, would help to monitor the water

quality on the Ledyard Center system.

Councilor Ingalls questioned how long they have been talking about painting the Ledyard

Center Water Storage Tank. Mayor Allyn, III, explained that a drone fly over was done and it

was determined that only the top of the Water Storage Tank needed to be painted. He stated

the painting of the Water Tank (spraying method) was supposed to begin in April as soon as

the weather broke. However, he stated that the work has not been started. Councilor Ingalls

stated that it seemed that they have been talking about painting the Ledyard Center Water

Storage Tank for quite a while. Chairman Dombrowski stated they have been discussing the

issue for years because they wanted to make sure funding was annually being put aside when

the time came (15 - 18 years) to paint the Tank. Councilor McGrattan noted that she recalled

when they floated the balloon in the area of where the Water Storage Tank was going to be

located to determine the color of the tank.

RESULT:

Housing Authority

Councilor McGrattan reported that the Housing Authority would be cancelling their Regular

Meeting scheduled for Monday, July 3, 2023. However, she stated that they would be

holding a Special Meeting on Thursday, July 6, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. where the residents would

have an opportunity to question the Builders and the Development Team. She stated

Residents have been asked to submit their questions in advance so that they Team would be

able to respond to their questions.

RESULT:

Library Commission

Councilor McGrattan stated at their April 26, 2023 meeting the Town Council approved to

accept and appropriate $20,000 to Account #20250101-50000-G0015 (Library Grant Expense)

that was received from The American Library Association - Libraries Transforming

Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities Grant to purchase books,

programming, and building improvements designed to serve individuals with disabilities.

She stated in preparing to begin their work the Library scheduled two Community

Conversations to explore how Library Services could best support individuals with

disabilities as follows: Monday, July 24, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. at the Bill Library in-person and

zoom video conference; and Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. the Gales Ferry Library

in-person only.

RESULT:

REPORT OF THE MAYOR:

XII.

Mayor Allyn, III, reported on the following: (1) Federal Emergency Management Agency

(FEMA) Flood Map Municipal Update - Mayor Allyn stated he participated in the Flood Map

Update. He explained in doing the map update that Laser Imaging Detecting and Ranging

(LIDR) was used which enabled them to refine the true flood zones. He stated for Ledyard the

areas for concern were primarily along the Thames River. He stated within the next two-three

months FEMA would hold Public Information Sessions to present the Updated Flood Map

noting that people would be able to see how the FEMA Flood Panel pertained to their property;

(2) 332 Colonel Ledyard Highway - Mayor Allyn stated the house has been cleaned out and that

the Planning & Zoning Commission would conduct an 8-24 Review at their June 29, 2023

meeting. He stated an interior cleaning would then be done. He stated he has obtained a Market

Analysis for the Valuation of the property. He stated in late July, 2023 he would be requesting

approval from the Town Council to list the property for sale, noting that it looked favorable as

long as the housing market stayed where it was; (3) Avalonia Land Conservancy - Mayor Allyn

stated Avalonia Land Conservancy was seeking to acquire two tracks of land in Ledyard. He

stated he would be requesting the Town Council schedule an Executive Session to discuss

negotiations for the real estate transaction; (4) Year-to-Date Financials - Mayor Allyn noted as

Councilor Saums mentioned during this Finance Committee Report earlier this evening, the

town’s financials looked good. He stated June was the last month of the fiscal year; (5) National

Opioid Settlement - Mayor Allyn stated to-date Ledyard has received $53,113.19, noting that

they would be receiving an another $9,119.95 after July 1, 2023. He stated for the next fifteen

years Ledyard would receive an average $13,859 annually. He noted the Plan the Finance

Committee (June 21, 2023 meeting) was working on with Ledge Light Health District

(Ledyard Prevention Coalition) and potential others partners, could be a long-term

commitment; (6) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program - Portable Radios $284,000

(March 22, 2023) - Mayor Allyn stated Administrator of Emergency Services Steve

Holyfield received a telephone call from Senator Murphy’s Office informing him that

Ledyard was approved to receive the Assistance to Firefighters $284,000 Grant, which required

a 5% local match ($14,000 town commitment) to replace radio equipment. He stated the

$14,000 was included in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for this initiative; (7) Gales Ferry

Fire Company $500,000 Grant - Mayor Allyn stated thanks to State Senator Cathy Osten, that

the Gales Ferry Fire Company had a pending Grant Application in the amount of $500,000 for

the replacement of the Fire Station’s roof, a Generator to support the full building, a

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Compressor (SCBA $85,000); and for the replacement

of windows and doors. He noted their Grant Application would go before the State Bond

Commission on June 30, 2023. He stated pending a positive result the grant application

should be moving along. He noted that he informed Gales Ferry Fire Chief Tony Saccone

that it would be a few months after the State Bond Commission’s approval before the grant

funding would be received; (8) GovDeals.Com Auction - Mayor Allyn stated the town would

be auctioning some vehicles, power tools, etc. via the on-line auction site to close out the

year; (9) Nuclear Safety Drill - August 23, 2023 - Mayor Allyn stated the Drill would be held

at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) located in the basement of the High School. He

stated the Drill typically starts at 8:00 a.m. and ends around 1:00 p.m. He stated it would be a

good Drill should any members of the Town Council be interested in attending; (10) Local

Transportation Capital Improvement (LOTCIP) Grant - Mayor Allyn stated on June 20, 2023

he received a Notification Letter from the Department of Transportation (DOT) regarding the

approval of Ledyard’s LOTCIP Application. He explained although DOT completed their

approval process that the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments (SCCOG)

Executive Board would also be required to vote on a recommendation to approve the DOT’s

final approval, which was scheduled to take place at their July 5, 2023 meeting. He stated

two weeks thereafter that Ledyard’s LOTCIP Application would then go to the full SCCOG

Board for approval; at which the Town could finally go out to bid for the project. He stated

as much as he appreciated the LOTCIP Grant Funding that former Land Use Director

Elizabeth Burdick was the Planning when they began the grant application process in June,

2019, noting that four-years later they still did not have a shovel in the ground; (11) Cyber

Policy - Mayor Allyn stated MIS Director Justin Dube was working to have the multi-factor

authentications, etc., and everything ready to put the Town’s Cyber Policy in-place. He

stated it was critical that they have these things in-place noting that Mr. Dube was doing an

excellent job in terms of creating an essentially disconnected island that was backed-up by

tape on a weekly basis. He stated should anything happen to their systems, the Town had

would have the ability to recover everything; (12) Long Pond Watershed - Whitford Brook

Informational Forum July 11, 2023 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.- Mayor Allyn stated that he along

with Public Works Director/Town Engineer Steve Masalin, and WMC Consulting Engineers

who was chosen for the project would be here in the Council Chambers to talk to residents about

the replacement of the Lantern Hill Road-Whitford Brook Bridge, the drainage structures,

and dams that were associated with Long Pond; (13) Marketing Video - Economic

Development Commission - Mayor Allyn stated thanks to the EDC and Commissioner Pete

Hary the filming for the Town Marketing video was done today. He explained the $7,000 of

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding that had been set-a-side to create the marketing

video was not needed because the EDC was able to get the video 100% free noting it was

paid for by town business that purchased advertising space on the video. He stated they

visited commercial business, scenic parks, and other town locations to shoot the video. He

stated the next step was to edit the video; (14) Road Paving Work - Thames View Pentway -

Mayor Allyn stated the Pentway was completely rebuilt adding drainage coming down the

hill to alleviate the drainage issues, etc. He stated the base coat was put down today and the

topcoat was scheduled to go on tomorrow with the curbing. He stated the Pentway was

challenging with its slope and hairpin turn, noting that the town would not take the Pentway

into its Road Inventory. He stated although it was not yet July 1st, Public Works

Director/Town Engineer Steve Masalin has been able to get nearly all the paving work he

had scheduled for this year done. Therefore, he stated Mr. Masalin was now looking at the

lowest Road Surface Rated (RSR) cul-de-sacs to see what they could get down with the

funding available. He stated paving work on Whalehead Road and Long Cove Road were

completed last week. He stated the town received a few resident complaints about the

disruptions and ability to pass with 10-15-minute delays. However, he stated this was

challenging to balance out, noting that while residents wanted to have their roads in good

condition, that it involved some inconvenience with a 10-15-minute delay in-bound or

out-bound while they were doing the road work. He stated that he tried to explain that to the

residents asking that they try to build a little extra time into their schedule during the time the

road work was being done.

Questions to the Mayor -

Chairman Dombrowski addressed the August 23, 2023 Nuclear Safety Drill noting in

speaking with Director of Emergency Operations Jim Mann, that this would not be an

evaluated Drill. He stated he has attended the Emergency Drills a number of times and he

encouraged members of the Town Council to attend the August Nuclear Safety Drill. He

stated the Drill was interesting and if both the Mayor and the Town Council Chairman were

out of town that a Councilor may have to step-in. He noted that it would be good to observe

and to be familiar with the Drill process. Mayor Allyn stated the FEMA Evaluator would be

present to provide suggestions, etc., however, he stated that this would be a practice Drill and

a learning opportunity.

Councilor Saums thanked Administrator of Emergency Services Steve Holyfield for his work

to prepare and follow-thru on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program for Portable

Radios $284,000, noting that the Town Council authorized submitting the Grant Application

at their March 22, 2023 meeting.

Councilor Saums went on to address the $500,000 State Grant that Gales Ferry Fire Chief

Tony Saccone prepared and applied for that the Mayor mentioned during his report (Item 7).

He stated that Chief Saccone submitted the grant application to benefit both Fire Companies,

however, only the Gales Ferry Fire Department receive the grant funding, noting that they

did not know the reason both the Fire Departments did not received the grant funding.

Mayor Allyn also acknowledged Administrator of Emergency Services Steve Holyfield for

his efforts to receive the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Funding to purchase Portable

Radios for the Fire Departments. He stated that Mr. Holyfield had tried to obtain grant

funding the year before; however, h learned that it was not approved because their

Application did not include a large enough pool. Therefore, he stated Mr. Holyfield

expanded the grant request to bring in radios for both the Fire Departments (Ledyard Center

and Gales Ferry) and that he was successful in receiving the grant funding this year. He

stated the new radios would be great improvement and would give them the ability to

seamlessly communicate with every Fire Department that was involved with one of

Ledyard’s Emergency calls.

RESULT:

XIII. OLD BUSINESS

None.

XIV. NEW BUSINESS

Administration Committee

MOTION to approve an updated Library Technician I - Reference Job Description as presented

in the draft dated May 3, 2023.

Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor McGrattan

Discussion: Councilor Ingalls provided an overview regarding the four Library Job

Descriptions that were being considered this evening. She explained that the titles for

three of Job Descriptions were being updated to provide clarification and to more

accurately reflect the role of the positions. She noted that there were no major changes in

the role and duties for the four Library job descriptions presented this evening, stating this

update project was mainly to clarify the titles of the job descriptions and to clean-up the

outdated language.

Councilor McGrattan noted that Library Director Jenifer Smith attended the

Administration Committee’s June 7, 2023 meeting and participated in the discussions

regarding the updates to the four Library job descriptions that were being presented this

evening.

Chairman Dombrowski stated Library Director Jenifer Smith was in attendance this

evening remotely via video conference, should anyone have questions.

VOTE: 7- 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

RESULT:

Andra Ingalls

MOVER:

Mary K. McGrattan

SECONDER:

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

Paul, and Marshall

AYE:

EXCUSED:

MOTION to approve an updated Assistant Librarian I - Youth Services Job Description as

presented in the draft dated June 14, 2023.

Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor McGrattan

Discussion: Councilor Ingalls stated as previously noted the Library Job Descriptions were

mainly to clarify the titles of the job descriptions and to clean-up the outdated language as

well.

Library Director Jenifer Smith noted during the Administration Committee’s June 14, 2024

meeting the following sentence was added and was included in the job description presented

this evening:

“Supports the Library social media presence and update content on the Library’s website

in accordance with the Town’s Social Media Policy” .

Ms. Smith went on to explain because social media was a large part of the Library’s role

that the language noted above was added under the “Essential Job Functions” heading to

the following two Job Descriptions:

· Assistant Librarian I - Youth Services

· Assistant Librarian II - Adult Services

VOTE: 7- 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Andra Ingalls

RESULT:

MOVER:

Mary K. McGrattan

SECONDER:

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

Paul, and Marshall

AYE:

EXCUSED:

MOTION to approve an updated Assistant Librarian II - Adult Services Job Description as

presented in the draft dated June 14, 2023.

Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor McGrattan

Discussion: None. (see above Items #1 & #2 Library Job Description Items)

VOTEA:p7p-ro0ved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

RESULT:

Andra Ingalls

MOVER:

Mary K. McGrattan

SECONDER:

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

Paul, and Marshall

AYE:

EXCUSED:

MOTION to approve an updated Library Director Job Description as dated in the draft dated

May 3, 2023.

Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor Irwin

Discussion: Councilor Saums thanked Library Director Jenifer Smith for the excellent

work she was doing. The Town Council agreed with Councilor Saums’ comment. (see

above Items #1 & #2 Library Job Description Items).

VOTE: 7- 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Andra Ingalls

RESULT:

MOVER:

Whit Irwin

SECONDER:

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

Paul, and Marshall

AYE:

EXCUSED:

MOTION to appoint Ms. Margaret Boyd, (U) 257 Whalehead Road, Gales Ferry, to the

Ledyard Housing Authority to complete a five-year term ending March 31, 2026 to fill a

vacancy left by Ms. Evans.

Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor Irwin

Discussion: Councilor Ingalls stated Ms. Boyd previously served on the Housing Authority

and was interested in returning to the Board; and the Board was happy to have her back.

Chairman Dombrowski thanked Ms. Boyd for signing up to once again serve the community.

VOTE: 7- 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Andra Ingalls

RESULT:

MOVER:

Whit Irwin

SECONDER:

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

Paul, and Marshall

AYE:

EXCUSED:

MOTION to disband the following Town Commissions:

Parks and Recreation Commission

Senior Citizens Commission

Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor Rodriguez

Discussion: Councilor Ingalls explained with the April 26, 2023 adoption of Ordinance

#001-016 (rev. 1) “An Ordinance Combining Parks And Recreation Commission and Senior

Citizens Commission for the Town of Ledyard” that this was an administrative-procedural

action to disband the two former Commissions to make way for the appointment of

members to the newly combined Commission.

VOTE:

7- 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Andra Ingalls

RESULT:

MOVER:

S. Naomi Rodriguez

SECONDER:

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

Paul, and Marshall

AYE:

EXCUSED:

MOTION to appoint nine members to the newly combined Parks, Recreation & Senior Citizens

Commission, in accordance with Ordinance #001-016 (rev. 1) “An Ordinance Combining Parks

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

follows:

Regular Members

Mr. Kenneth DiRico (U) 8 Melanie Lane, Gales Ferry, term ending June 28, 2026

Ms. Lucrezia Finegan (R) 1331 Baldwin Road, Gales Ferry, term ending June 28, 2026

Ms. Jessica Cobb (7 Whippoorwill Drive, Gales Ferry, term ending June 28, 2025

Ms. Loretta Kent (D) 1363 Baldwin Hill Road, Gales Ferry. Term ending June 28, 2024

Ms. Norma Sokolski (R) 14 Mary Belle Circle, Ledyard, term ending June 28, 2026

Ms. Margaret Anne Harding (R) 50 Pheasant Run Drive, Gales Ferry, term ending June 28,

2025

Ms. Paula Crocker (U) 1500 Route 12, Gales Ferry, term ending June 28, 2025

Alternate Members

Mr. Charles Gallagher ((R) 12 Sherwood Trace, Gales Ferry, term ending June 28, 2024

Ms. Marjorie Winslow (D) 3 Wolf Ridge Gap, Ledyard, term ending June 28, 2024

Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor McGrattan

Discussion: Councilor Ingalls provided some background noting with the Town Council’s

April 26, 2023 adoption of Ordinance #100-016 (rev 1) “An Ordinance Combining Parks

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

set in motion the process to merge the two Commissions together. She stated since the Parks

& Recreation Department moved from the building on Blonders Boulevard to the Senior

Citizens Center on Van Tassel Drive, Gales Ferry, in 2020, the two Departments have been

sharing staff and resources between the two Offices. She stated by combining the two

Departments/Commissions that they would be able to streamline daily operations and use of

staff, provide financial and space benefits, and to support additional programs and events, etc.

Councilor Ingalls went on to note in accordance with the timeline provided in Ordinance

#001-016 (rev. 1) steps have been taken by both the Parks and Recreation Commission and

Senior Citizens Commission to provide a for a seamless transition. She explained that the

Chairman of both Commission’s provided recommendations for the appointment of members to

the newly combined Commission; and that the appointments presented this evening were based

on the Committee Chairmen’s recommendations. She stated that there were a couple more

people recommended for appointment to serve on the combined Commission than the number

of seats called for in Ordinance #100-016 (rev.1). She stated it was unfortunate, but that she

hoped those good people would find other Committees they would like to serve on.

Councilor Ingalls went on to state the Administration Committee based the appointments on

the Commission Chairman’s recommendations and that they worked to ensure that both the

Parks & Recreation Commission and the Senior Citizens Commission were each represented

and that the new Combined Commission would meet the minority representation requirements,

in accordance with CGS 167a. She concluded by explaining for the initial appointments that

the members’ terms were staggered (3-years, 2-years, 1-year) to prevent all of the members

terms from expiring at the same time. She stated as terms expire members would then be

appointed for a three-year term.

Councilor Rodriguez, Senior Citizens Commission Liaison, noted that during their meeting

earlier today that some of the members wanted to know how the names were presented to the

Administration Committee and who was being nominated, because they were not aware of the

process. She stated that she explained the process to the Senior Citizens Commission, noting

that they were happy to move forward with the new combined Commission.

Councilor Saums thanked Ms. Jessica Cobb, Mr. Kenneth DiRico, and Ms. Carol Ann

Schneider for attending tonight’s meeting. He stated when residents were being considered for

appointment, that it was nice to see them attend the meeting.

Chairman Dombrowski assigned Councilor Rodriguez to serve as the Liaison to the combined

Parks, Recreation, and Senior Citizens Commission.

Councilor Rodriguez thanked Chairman Dombrowski for the assignment.

VOTE: 7- 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Andra Ingalls

RESULT:

MOVER:

John Marshall

SECONDER:

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

Paul, and Marshall

AYE:

EXCUSED:

MOTION to revise Resolution #002-2023/Mar 23 “Resolution Establishing A Committee To

Transform Review The Budget Process” as presented in the draft dated June 27, 2023.

DRAFT 6/26/2023

Res: 002-2023/Mar 22

(Rev. 1 -6/28/2023)

RESOLUTION

ESTABLISHING A COMMITTEE TO

TRANSFORM REVIEW THE BUDGET PROCESS

WHEREAS: The Town Council recognizes the burden that the State’s level funding has imposed

on municipal budgets and its taxpayers by not keeping up with the rate of inflationary costs and

by imposing unfunded mandates on cities and towns.

WHEREAS: The Town Council recognizes the need to examine alternative budgeting methods

such as a Zero Based Budget Practice for the implementation of the Fiscal Year 2024/2025

Budget preparation.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That there is hereby established a Committee to

Transform Review the Budget Process to be comprised of nine (9) regular members. All

members shall be appointed by the Town Council with the following representation:

Town Council Finance Committee Chairman

Town Council Chairman

One additional Member of the Town Council

Two Members from the Board of Education

Four Members from the Community-at-Large

In addition, the Mayor and Superintendent of Schools or their designee serve as ex-officio

members.

Regular members shall be appointed by the Town Council for a term of four-months. Members

shall commence to serve their terms immediately upon appointment and shall serve until their

successor has qualified or are removed by the Town Council.

Any vacancy on the Committee, other than by expiration of term, shall be filled for the

unexpired portion of the term by the Town Council with priority given to maintain the

structure above.

The Town Council may remove members for cause and fill the vacancy per Chapter IV, Section

6 of the Town Charter. Cause for removal shall include, but is not limited to, unexcused absence

from three (3) consecutive regular meetings and any intervening duly called special meeting. It

shall be the responsibility of the Chairman of the Committee to notify the Town Council when a

member has not properly performed his duties.

The regular members of the Committee to Transform Review the Budget Process shall elect a

Chairman, Vice Chairman and Secretary. Any vacancy in any such office shall be filled by from

its regular membership.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the Committee to Transform Review the Budget Process

shall be authorized to:

a) To review the Budget Transform Committee Final Report dated October 16, 2016 along

with the goals and objectives that have been implemented to-date.

b) To review, research, and determine the following:

(1) The services the Town and Board of Education provides to its residents.

Whether the services/programs are mandatory relative to the role of local government.

(2) How effectively the Town and Board of Education provides its services/programs to

its residents.

(3) The funding sources(s) that pay for services/programs the community provides to its

residents.

(4) Review all contracted services.

c) To review all department operations, all municipal and school buildings and grounds, the

purchase of commodities, and the utilization of staffing/cross training in order to

promote municipal consolidation efforts and provide recommendations;

d) To provide guidance and recommendations relative to the negotiation and execution of

contracts related to municipal consolidation of departments, services and/or shared

services to meet the General Government and Board of Education’s operational and

mandated requirements;

e) To recommend a budget process, format and outline for the General Government and

Board of Education to consider for implementation with the development of the Fiscal

Year 2024/2025 Budget that would include detail data such as:

(1) Projected line item cost estimates for Fiscal Year 2024/2025;

(2) Capital Improvement Plan/Initiatives/Funding Sources;

(3) Trends in salaries, maintenance and operational costs;

(4) Demonstrated efforts for efficiencies and reductions;

(5) Plans to address the increase in student population/enrollment and space needs

(6) Recommendations to address anticipated loss of Municipal Aid Revenues due to the

State’s finance crisis and projected budget deficits.

(7) Ways to address current and anticipated future State mandates.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That within thirty (30) days of the appointment of this

Committee that an Organization Meeting of said Committee shall be held at which members

shall choose a Chairman, Vice-Chairman and a Secretary;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That said Committee shall submit recommendations to the

Town Council, Mayor and Board of Education no later than October 27, 2023 for consideration

for the fiscal year budget preparation.

Revised and Adopted by the Ledyard Town Council on June 28, 2023

_____________________________

Kevin J. Dombrowski, Chairman

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

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

History: Resolution Establishing a Committee To Transform The Budget Process; Adopted June

8, 2016; Final Report submitted: October 16, 2016; Adopted: March 23, 2023.

2023:

June 28, 2023: Revised title of Committee to more accurately reflect the Committee’s assignment

as follows: “ Committee to Transform Review the Budget Process”

Updated the 2016 Resolution “Committee to Transform the Budget Process” to include the

following language: The Town Council recognizes the burden that the State’s level funding has

imposed on municipal budgets and its taxpayers by not keeping up with the rate of inflationary

costs and by imposing unfunded mandates on cities and town.

The 2023 Committee’s assignment includes a review of the October 16, 2016 Final Report and

other assignments outlined in the Resolution above.

Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor McGrattan

Discussion: Councilor Ingalls stated this revision was a simple word change to the title of the

Committee. She explained to avoid confusion and to more accurately reflect the work of this

short-term (4-month) assignment the word “Transform” was being changed to “Review”. She

stated the Committee was being asked to review the budget process, to look for efficiencies,

and to perhaps suggest ways to do some things differently. She stated the work itself was

clearly outlined in the Resolution. She stated other than the change to the title of the

Committee that there were no other changes to the Resolution.

VOTE: 7- 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

RESULT:

MOTION to appoint members to the Committee to Review the Budget Process in accordance

with the structure provided in Resolution #002-2023/Mar 23 “Resolution Establishing A

Committee To Review The Budget Process”

Town Council

ü Mr. Kevin Dombrowski (R) Town Council Chairman, 139 Meetinghouse Lane, Ledyard

ü Mr. Bill Saums (D) Finance Cmt Chairman, 333 Pumpkin Hill Road, Ledyard

ü Mr. Tim Ryan (R) Town Council, 62 Inchcliffe Drive, Gales Ferry

Board of Education 2 Members

ü Mr. Mike Brawner, (R) 37 Overlook Road, Gales Ferry

ü Ms. Joanne M. Kelley (D) 12 Thames View Pentway

Community at Large (4 Members)

ü Mr. Terry Jones (R) 27 Monticello Drive, Gales Ferry

ü Ms. Beth Ribe (U) 129 Rose Hill Road, Ledyard

ü Mr. Earl (Ty) Lamb (D) 95 Lambtown Road, Ledyard

ü Ms. Minna DeGaetano (D) 10 Marla Avenue, Ledyard

Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor Irwin

Discussion: Councilor Ingalls stated there were

couple more people

recommended/nominated for appointment to serve on the Committee to Review the

Budget Process than the number of seats called for in Resolution #002-2023/Mar 23

(Rev.1). She stated all of the town’s Committee meetings were open to the public and she

encouraged residents to attend and participate.

VOTE: 7- 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Andra Ingalls

RESULT:

MOVER:

Whit Irwin

SECONDER:

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

Paul, and Marshall

AYE:

EXCUSED:

Finance Committee

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

Assistance Act (NAA) tax credits:

10.

Habitat for Humanity of Eastern Connecticut to support a full rehabilitation of a

single-family split-level home locate at 42 Laurel Leaf Drive, Gales Ferry, CT total cost

$182,803.07 with $20,000 requested in accordance Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA)

eligibility.

Moved by Councilor Saums, seconded by Councilor Ingalls

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

they presented the Habitat for Humanity’s proposed project to renovate a single-family

split-level home at 42 Laurel Leaf Drive in Gales Ferry, which Habitat received as a

donation.

Councilor Saums went on to explain in accordance with CGS for non-profit organizations

to be eligible for the NAA program the Town Council must hold a public hearing and

approve the project. He stated that the entire project could be fully sponsored/funded by

donations from corporations and business, who would receive a tax credit for their donation

to the project. He stated endorsing the project would not commit any funding from the town,

and he noted that this was not a grant program. He stated during the Finance Committee’ June

7, 2023 meeting that he added some wording to the motion to clearly state that there was no cost

to the town (taxpayers) except the cost to hold a Public Hearing, and to take a vote to support the

project. He stated Habitat for Humanity was a great Organization.

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

their support, noting that the 52 Laurel Leaf Home was approximately 1,000 square feet and

had three bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms. She stated the family that would be assigned to the

home would be participating in the renovation project.

VOTE: 7- 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Bill Saums

RESULT:

MOVER:

Andra Ingalls

SECONDER:

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

Paul, and Marshall

AYE:

EXCUSED:

MOTION to grant a bid waiver to Laboratory Design & Supply of Buford Georgia in the amount

of $51,713.30 for LPS Bid 23-5 (Aquaculture Classroom Cabinetry) due to lack of three bids, in

11.

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 at their June 14, 2023

meeting the Town Council approved the Board’s request to spend up to $271,960, as

outlined in the Board of Education Agricultural Science & Technology (ASTE) 2022/2023

request dated June 5, 2023. He stated the List included Cabinetry for the Aquaculture

Classroom at the High School for the Ag-Science Program with an estimated cost of

$55,000. He stated in soliciting bids (LPS #23-05 Cabinetry for Schools) for the

Aquaculture cabinets that the requirements were very specific because the cabinets needed

to support large aquariums weighing close to 1,000 pounds. He explained due to the water

and moisture the cabinets were exposed to that the cabinets needed to be manufactured from

a non-porous material. He stated both of these requirements significantly increased the cost

and limited the vendors that could respond to the bid. He stated after much research phenolic

resin panels were the best choice of materials for these cabinets. Therefore, he stated a bid

waiver was being requested in the amount of $51,713.73 to Laboratory Design & Supply of

Buford Georgia.

Councilor Saums noted Board of Education Director of Facilities and Grounds Wayne

Donaldson was attending tonight’s meeting remotely if anyone had questions.

VOTE: 7- 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Bill Saums

RESULT:

MOVER:

Tim Ryan

SECONDER:

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

Paul, and Marshall

AYE:

EXCUSED:

General Business

Discuss Work Session Items as time permits.

None.

12.

XV. ADJOURNMENT

Councilor Rodriguez, moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilor Irwin

VOTE: 7 - 0 Approved and so declared. The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.

_______________________________

Transcribed by Roxanne M. Maher

Administrative Assistant to the Town Council

I, Kevin J. Dombrowski, Chairman of the Ledyard Town Council,