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, August 23, 2023

WORKING DRAFT

7:00 PM

Town Hall Council Chambers

In-Person: Council Chambers Town Hall Annex

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CALL TO ORDER

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

ROLL CALL

II.

III.

Chairman Kevin Dombrowski

Councilor Bill Saums

Present:

Councilor Andra Ingalls

Councilor Gary Paul

Councilor John Marshall

Councilor Mary K. McGrattan

Councilor S. Naomi Rodriguez

Councilor Whit Irwin

Councilor Tim Ryan

Excused:

IV.

PRESENTATIONS

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

MINUTES

Mr. Eric Treaster, 10 Huntington Way, Ledyard, noted the Town Council would be

discussing the sale of 332 Colonel Ledyard Highway for $280,000 later this evening. He

stated the Property Card listed the property as being 45-acres; and he commented that there

appeared to be a disjoint stating that selling 45- acres of land in Ledyard for $280,000

seemed to be a mystery.

Mr. Treaster continued by addressing the house located at 334 Colonel Ledyard that was

going to be demolished. He stated the picture on the Property Card showed that it was a very

nice house, which may no longer be the case. He stated if the purpose of demolishing the

house was to provide access into the property located behind the house, that perhaps there

was a way to save the house from being demolished.

Mr. Treaster went on to note the October 28, 2020 Special Town Meeting at which the

Townspeople voted to convey the 96+ acre Founders Preserve property to Avalonia Land

Conservancy. However, he stated one of the documents attached to tonight’s agenda on the

meeting portal included a drawing of the property, noting that the file was titled “Avalonia-

Ledyard 200-Acres Founders Layout”. He stated he attended the October 28, 2022 Special

Town Meeting and that he did not remember the property being 200-acres. He questioned

the correct number of acres that were involved in these property transfers. He stated that he

was opposed to giving any land to Avalonia Land Conservancy, noting that he believed that

someday the Town was going to need that land.

Chairman Dombrowski thanked Mr. Treaster for his comments. He provided clarification

stating conveying the 96+-acre Founders Preserve Property to Avalonia Land Conservancy

was already voted on and approved by the Townspeople at the October 28, 2020 Special

Town Meeting. Mayor Allyn stated the title of the file “Avalonia- Ledyard 200-Acres

Founders Layout” had a a typo noting that it correct file name was “Avalonia - Ledyard

2020 Founders Layout”.

Chairman Dombrowski continued by addressing Mr. Treaster’s question regarding the

45-acre 332 Colonel Ledyard Highway. He stated the property had been subdivided and the

Property Card probably has not been updated yet. Mayor Allyn, III, stated that Chairman

Dombrowski’s comments were correct. He also noted that the Survey that was attached to

the Agenda packet on the meeting portal showed that the amount of land remaining for 332

Colonel Ledyard Highway was 45,492 square feet.

Mr. Treaster questioned the reason the house located at 334 Colonel Ledyard Highway was

being demolished. Mayor Allyn stated the house suffered significant water damage noting

the roof had failed about 20-years ago; and because it was unsafe the house was condemned.

He stated that he took Councilor Saums to look at the house and he stated in looking at the

structure they were at risk of the house collapsing. He stated 25-years ago it was nice house,

however, he stated picture on the Property Card was not telling the full story.

Mrs. Eleanor Murray, 16 Chapman Lane, Gales Ferry, stated she was present to talk about

the Kings Corner Manor Senior Citizens Housing Facility. She stated if everything was great

at the Senior Housing Facility State Senator Cathy Osten would not have visited the Facility

four times in the past three months. She stated if they could have solved the problems and

found any solutions for the issues Senator Osten would not have had to visit the property.

She stated the issues were not really about the Smoking Policy, she stated the issues at the

Senior Citizens Housing Facility were about a number of things which included: Tenants not

being allowed to have six-foot sheds, now they can have three-foot sheds; the ramp where a

woman with a wheelchair lived was being taken out; there were cameras out of every

window of the Director’s Building and in the Community Room where the Director could

spy on people, and Tenants now have to sign up to use the washer and dryer to do their

laundry. She stated that she was only mentioning a few little things that have changed, noting

that there were dozens of them. She noted the changes started the first year, and then the

changes gained momentum, noting that the Tenants originally had a four-page lease which

has become a twenty-page lease noting that it was picayune. She stated the Director of Kings

Corner Manor came from H&R Block and she was now directing an Apartment Complex.

Mrs. Murry suggested that the Director needed professional training in how to manage an

apartment complex and how to treat human beings who were in her care. She stated it was an

unhappy place and it was justifiable so. She stated that she was shocked, and that she did not

blame the Kings Corner Manor Tenants for being unhappy, noting that she believed they

were being treated terribly, noting that they had 10-20-years to live at the end of their lives.

She stated the Tenants have been told if they did not like it, to move, and she rhetorically

questioned where they could move to. She concluded by stating that she hoped they could

find a solution to help the Tenants at the Kings Corner Senior Housing Facility and that the

Director could find some help to be a better manager. She stated that she would like to be

part of the solution, noting that the Tenants cannot keep going to Senator Osten or calling the

Connecticut Department of Housing; or the Department of Aging. Thank you,

Chairman Dombrowski thanked Mrs. Murry for her comments.

Mr. Ed Murray, 16 Chapman Lane, Gales Ferry, noted that he and his wife moved to Ledyard

about one-year ago, noting that they were hopeful and excited about moving to Ledyard. He

stated during the past year his experience has found that Ledyard was more concerned about

their Policies and Procedures than they were about the people. He stated the people always

come second to whatever they were deciding to do. He stated although he has not spoken to

the Town Council before, that he wanted to tell them that they have an amazing

responsibility for 16,000 people who lived in town. He stated the Town Council had

influence over other town organizations and they had other people who were in positions of

authority and responsibility, who could put our people first. He stated the community he

came from was about 20,000 people, however, he stated their organizations always put the

people first. He noted that he has noticed things such as the Board of Education making a

big issue about someone wanting to join the Robotics Team, but at the same time, they were

allowing students from other schools to play on their sports teams, noting that making this a

big issue did not make sense to him. He continued by addressing the Smoking Policy at the

Kings Corner Manor Senior Citizens Housing Facility, noting that the Tenants were having

to make their way down a 275- foot driveway to smoke on a corner, so they would not be on

the Senior Housing Facility’s property; and that someone called the Police and said the

Tenants were panhandling. He stated that this was not something they wanted people to say

about a citizen the town had responsible for. He stated the Town needed to take care of

16,000 residents first, noting that they have to understand the difference between what was

fair and what was not. He stated, “Society was remembered by how they take care of the least

of us”. He stated he was not referring to those who had a good living and an exceptional

family, and have had the opportunity to live the life they planned. He stated he was talking

about the people who don’t have those things; stating that they now have an opportunity to

take care of those people, noting that it does not cost the community anything. He stated

when he looked at issues in the community that the first thing he looked at was what does it

do for the people, how does what they were trying to do it affect the people. He stated it

makes sense to think of the people first, before they do anything else.

Chairman Dombrowski thanked Mr. Murray for his comments.

Ms. Nina Diaz, 1546 Route 12, Gales Ferry, attending remotely, addressed the Kings Corner

Manor Senior Citizens Housing Facility Smoking Policy. She questioned possible solutions

for the Tenants, noting that they have been pushed off the Kings Corner Manor Senior

Citizens Housing Facility property and onto the road. She stated in talking with one of the

Tenants yesterday, he explained that the town owned from the center line of the road to

25-feet into the shoulder/property line, noting that the Tenants were being forced to smoke

on town property. She stated with the liability issues that she hoped that Town Officials

could step-in to help create a solution that was safe for our elders. She stated although

everyone could say that smoking was not good for your health, etc., and they should not be

smoking, that none of us were in the Tenants position. She commented that these people

have earned the right to do what they want to do in life. She stated instead of condemning

them for having a bad habit that it was our responsibility to come up with a safe solution for

our seniors. She noted with the snow, freezing rain, and other winter conditions that there

was going to be some dangerous incidents if the Tenants have to continue to walk down the

driveway and stand on the road/town property to smoke. She asked Town Officials to work

with the community to find some suggestions together.

Chairman Dombrowski thanked Ms. Diaz for her comments.

Ms. Sherry Fernadez, 60 Kings Corner, Gales Ferry, noted that she was a Tenant at the Kings

Corner Senior Citizens Housing Facility. She stated that she agreed with Mr. and Mrs.

Murry’s comments this evening. She stated although she could also talk about how unsafe it

was for seniors to walk down to the road to smoke that she was going to talk about one fact

that she knew to be true, which was that the cigarette smokers were being discriminated

against. She stated the cigarette smokers were being discriminated because there were other

Tenants who were allowed to have fire pits, tiki torches, and gas grills. She noted she had

paperwork that stated the use of all these things were also health risks, noting that there were

chemicals in gas grills, and that the tiki torch fuel was highly toxic, much more toxic than

cigarette smoke, but that these Tenants were being allowed to keep these items. She stated

she brought these issues up about one-year ago at one of the Housing Authority Board

Meetings. She stated the Board’s solution at that time was to Grandfather-in the Tenants with

tiki torches and fire pits. She stated when she brought these issues up again at the Housing

Authority’s Board Meeting this month, she saw the Housing Authority’s Chairman Charley

Duzy roll his eyes, while she spoke. She stated Mr. Duzy then replied that the Smoking

Policy stands as is; and did not mention any of the things she brought to the meeting. She

concluded by stating that the Smoking Policy was discrimination and that if the Housing

Authority was going to ban smoking at the Kings Corner Manor Senior Citizens Housing

Facility that they would have to also ban it all; and that she planned to continue to pursue the

matter.

Chairman Dombrowski thanked Ms. Fernadez for her comments.

VI.

COMMITTEE COMMISSION AND BOARD REPORTS

None.

VII. COMMENTS OF TOWN COUNCILORS

Councilor Saums stated he attended the Regional Nuclear Millstone Drill at the Emergency

Operations Center (EOC) today that was conducted by all the Towns in the area. He stated

the Drill was to practice what they would do in the event of a Nuclear Emergency at the

Milestone-Dominion Powerplant in Waterford. He stated these Drills were held regularly,

noting that they were not always for a nuclear emergency, noting that practice drills were

held for a variety of scenarios such as disasters caused by a hurricane, or something else. He

stated he was impressed with the organization and plans that were in-place, the process, and

the communication between all the Towns, State Police, Department of Emergency

Management and Homeland Security, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency

(FEMA). He stated it was a combination of written procedures that were in-place as well as

tribal knowledge by all the towns and their officials. He stated Ledyard Drill included all of

their Emergency Services Departments, Parks & Recreation, Board of Education, and Public

Works. He stated during the practice Drill he got to see all the things they would do if there

was an emergency at the Milestone/Dominion Nuclear Power Plant. He congratulated Mayor

Allyn, III, and his Staff as well as all the other Towns and Agencies involved. He stated the

region was well taken care of, noting it was a good exercise.

Chairman Dombrowski noted that he has participated in the Town’s practice Emergency

Drills in the past, as does the Mayor. He highly recommended that members of the Town

Council attend when the practice drills were scheduled, noting that should the Mayor or the

Town Council Chairman be out of town for a real Emergency Event, that a member of the

Town Council would have to fill that role. He stated he has recommended (Town Council

meeting 7/26/2022) that all Town Councilors participate in an Emergency Drill at least once,

to understand what occurs, noting that it was quite in-depth.

Councilor Rodriguez thanked the Beautification Committee for cleaning-up the gardens at

the Gales Ferry School on Saturday, August 19, 2023, noting the gardens looked beautiful.

She stated the Beautification Committee had more work to do and that they were looking for

volunteers to help them with the garden clean-ups at other schools in town.

Councilor Marshall stated he leaves Long Cove Road and heads north on Route 12 in Gales

Ferry every morning around 2:00 a.m. - 3:00 a.m. He stated the only other drivers on the road

at that time were people delivering newspapers, drunks, cops, and him. He stated during the

past few months the Police Department has had a visible presence on Route 12, along that

six-mile stretch. He stated he has come across people driving under the influence more often

than he cared to, noting that they were either gong with him or they were coming at him. He

thanked Police Chief John Rich and the Police Officer who had that patrol, noting their

presence on Route 12, has made his commute to work a lot safer.

Councilor Ingalls congratulated Ledyard’s new business owners, noting that in addition to

the business she was going to mention this evening, that Ledyard has had a number of new

businesses. She stated she had breakfast at the Salty Heffer on Colonel Ledyard Highway, on

Saturday morning, where she bumped into the Mayor and his wife. She stated the Restaurant

had good food, and a good menu, noting that restaurant has been refreshed inside and out.

She stated it was nice to see a good restaurant go in at location. Councilor Rodriguz noted

the Salty Heffer Restaurant held a Ribbon Cutting on Friday, August 18, 2023. Councilor

Saums stated the Salty Heffer Restaurant participated at the Farmers Market, noting that they

also own a farm. He stated most of the food they serve at their restaurant comes directly

from their farm.

VIII. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION to approve the Town Council Minutes of July 26, 2023

Moved by Councilor Marshall, seconded by Councilor Saums

VOTE:

8 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

John Marshall

RESULT:

MOVER:

Bill Saums

SECONDER:

Dombrowski, Saums, Ingalls, Paul, Marshall, McGrattan, Rodriguez,

AYE:

and Irwin

Ryan

EXCUSED:

COMMUNICATIONS LISTING FOR AUGUST 23, 2023

IX.

Chairman Dombrowski stated a Communications List has been provided on the meeting

portal for tonight’s meeting.

REFERALS

XI.

COUNCIL SUB COMMITTEE, LIAISON REPORTS

Administration Committee

Councilor Ingalls stated the Administration Committee met earlier this evening and

addressed the following: (1) A minor revision to the Employee Handbook, (2) Policy

Regarding Access and Key Control and Key Distribution Form; (3) New Appointment to the

Beautification Committee; (4) New proposed “An Ordinance Concerning Liability

Pertaining To First Responders Providing Emergency Assistance as contained in the

draft dated July 31, 2023; (5) A new proposed “An Ordinance Establishing Tax Relief

for Certain Modified Handicap Accessible Vehicles in the Town of Ledyard” as

contained in the draft dated July 31, 2023. Councilor Ingalls stated the proposed

Ordinance was drafted in response to a resident’s suggestion at the Town Council’s July

26, 2023 meeting. She stated in working to draft the proposed Ordinance that Parks,

Recreation & Senior Citizens Director Scott Johnson, Jr. noted that residents who own a

specialized van for transporting family members to medical appoints could receive

mileage reimbursement through a program with the Eastern CT Transportation

Consortium (Dial-a-ride). She stated residents should contact Mr. Johnson to register for

the Program; (6) Ordinance #500-005 (rev. 1) An Ordinance Rescinding “An Ordinance

Establishing a Nursing Service Board “ as contained in the draft dated July 31, 2023; and

(7) Proposed amendments to Ordinance #300-012 (rev. 2) “An Ordinance Concerning

Blight and Public Nuisance for the Town of Ledyard” as presented in the draft dated

August 14, 2023. She noted these items along with setting a Public Hearing date for the

Ordinances would be forwarded to the Town Council for action their September 13, 2023

meeting. She concluded by noting the Committee had one new appointment to the Historic

District Commission on this evening’s agenda.

RESULT:

Community Relations Committee

Councilor Paul stated the Community Relations Committee met on August 16, 2023 and

addressed the following: (1) Community Outreach Events: (a) Farmers Market August 30, 2023

- Back to School - Councilor Paul stated in working to be in-keeping with the Market’s Back to

School Theme the Community Relations Committee has been working with Ledyard Public

Libraries to highlight the many services they provide to the community. He Ledyard Libraries

would join the Community Relations Committee under the Town of Ledyard Tent to sign folks

up with Library Cards, to provide information regarding the many resources and diverse

programs the Library provides for all age groups and to hand out clues for folks to participate

a Special Scavenger Hunt at the Bill Library that evening. He stated Library Director Jennifer

Smith and her Team have been doing an incredible job at the Libraries with engaging the

community. He stated the Community Relations Committee was encouraging everyone to

come out and join them for this event. He also encouraged residents to follow Ledyard

Public Libraries on Facebook; (b) Farmers Market September 13, 2023 - Hometown Heros -

Councilor Paul stated the Community Relations Committee was also working to prepare for

their last Outreach Event for this summer to feature Ledyard’s First Responders. He stated

Police Chief John Rich attended the Community Relations Committee’s August 16, 2023

meeting, noting that representatives from the Police Department and Emergency Dispatch would

participate in the event. He stated information would be available for people who may be

interested in volunteering as a firefighter or who may be interested in pursuing a career in

firefighting or in law enforcement. He stated the Community Relations Committee would also

invite the Chairman of the Town’s Boards and Committees to participate in the event, noting

that they would be providing information on volunteer opportunities for residents to participate

on the town’s boards and commissions and to participate in their local government; (2) Informal

Conversations - Councilor Paul stated the Committee has also been discussing scheduling a

follow-up to their July 20, 2022 Informal Gathering they had last summer with the residents

in the area of the Park on East Drive. He stated that he appreciated the residents who

attended the first Informal Gathering and expressed their concerns, which resulted in a

number of great improvements such as new lighting, gate, playscape and regular Police

patrols.

Chairman Dombrowski noted the information provided by residents earlier this evening

under “V. Residents and Property Owners Comments” regarding the Kings Corner Manor

Senior Citizens Housing Facility. He stated although the town was limited on what they

could do because the Kings Corner Manor Senior Housing Facility falls under the State

Housing Authority, that he would ask the Community Relations Committee to help foster

some dialogue to see if they could remediate some of the issues and concerns.

RESULT:

Finance Committee

Councilor Saums stated the Finance Committee met on August 16, 2023 and he noted in

addition to the items on tonight’s Agenda the Committee also discussed the following: (1)

Revenue Report Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2023 - Councilor Saums noted Finance

Director Matthew Bonin stated the Revenue Report that was provided for the meeting did

not yet include the year-end numbers. He noted that Mr. Bonin indicated that he hoped to

have the year-end budget numbers for June 30, 2023 completed by September; (2) Expense

Report Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2023 - Councilor Saums stated Finance Director

Matthew Bonin stated a number of journal entries still needed to be made for the General

Government and that the final check run would be done next week. He stated Mr. Bonin

noted because the Board of Education has had some turnover in staff that he did not know

where the Board of Education was relative to closing out the Fiscal Year 2022/2023 Budget.

Land Use/Planning/Public Works Committee

Councilor Paul stated the LUPPW Committee met on August 7, 2023 and in addition to the

item they forward to the Town Council for action this evening the Committee also sent a

Memo dated August 8, 2023 to the Planning & Zoning Commission to request they conduct

an 8-24 Review of 332 Colonel Ledyard Highway in preparation for the town to sell the

residential property. He stated due to the Labor Day Holiday the Committee planned to

cancel their September meeting.

RESULT:

Water Pollution Control Authority

Councilor Saums stated the WPCA met on August 22, 2023 and addressed the following: (1)

Lead and Copper Rule - Groton Utilities reported that all lead and copper results for

spring 2023 were submitted to the Department of Public Health (DPH) on time, and that

both Ledyard Center and Gales Ferry continue to be in compliance the Lead and Copper

Rule; (2) Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Report - The Third Quarter TTHM samples

were collected in July for Ledyard Center. The results indicated that the water quality

was still in compliance with the Running Annual Average Maximum Contaminate Level

(MCL), but that an Operational Evaluation Level (OEL) Report for the Third Quarter

would be required; (3) Ledyard Center Water Storage Tank Maintenance/Painting - The

top of the Ledyard Center Water Storage tank was currently being painted. The work was

expected to be completed after Labor Day, weather permitting; (4) Wastewater Treatment

Plant - They were still waiting for the replacement of the new Smith and Loveless Skid

Mounted Sewer Pumps, and it would be installed it as soon as it arrived. In the

meantime, the Wastewater Treatment Plant was operating on one pump; (5) Policy and

Manual Update - The WPCA continued discussing the Policy Manual revisions and

voted to accept the Policy Manual as revised; (6) Cost-of-Service Study (COSS) - The

WPCA continued to discuss the Cost-of-Service Study for Ledyard that was offered by

Groton Utilities, as well the larger topic of the sale of the Ledyard water and sewer

systems to Groton Utilities. Because the Cost-of-Service Survey was not included the

WPCA Capital Plan or in their Fiscal Year 2023/2024 expense budget, the WPCA

decided to postpone their Bid Waiver request for the Cost-of-Service Study, while

questions were resolved regarding whether the capital budget or the expense budget

should be used as the funding source for the Study. The WPCA was prepared to resubmit

the expense during their next budget round when the 2024-2025 budget was being

prepared. This was a long-term decision and there was no urgency associated with

conducting the Cost-of-Service Study. Therefore, the WPCA has asked that the Town

Council not to act on their request for a Bid Waiver to Utility Financial Solutions, LLC

(UFS) in the amount of $13,000 that was included on tonight’s agenda (New Business

Item #3); (7) Multi-Model Trail Project - The WPCA has not yet received word on

whether the Department of Transportation (DOT) has commented on the project from a

funding standpoint. Mayor Allyn, III, noted that the Town received the Final Approval

from the State and that they were waiting for clearance to go out to bid for the

Multi-Model Trail Project.

Permanent Municipal Building Committee

Councilor Marshall stated the PMBC met on Monday, August 7, 2023 and addressed the

following: (1) Board of Education Roof Projects - Central Office, Juliet W. Long School

and Gales Ferry School - Councilor Marshall stated the PMBC reviewed the following

three proposals as rated by STV Construction Kyle Rongey, who was hired as the

Owner’s Representative Services for Select Capital Projects, noting the proposals ranged

from $69,000 - $199,000 as follows: (a) Friar Architects of Farmington, Connecticut

cost: $199,000 received the highest rating. Councilor Marshall Friar Architects had

completed the most projects of this type, had the most employees, but would have to

contract out for the Mechanical Engineer work; (b) Silver Petrucelli & Associates of

Hamden, Connecticut: cost $69,000; had a Mechanical Engineer on staff, and would

have less people involved; and (c) Hibbard & Rosa Architects of Middletown,

Connecticut: cost $106,000. Councilor Marshall stated his experience in the construction

field has found that the less people at the top the smoother the project rolled out. He

stated the PMBC chose Silver Petrucelli & Associates at $69,000; (2) School(s)

Consolidation-Improvement Projects (Middle School and Gallup Hill School) Close-out

Work - Councilor Marshall stated Colliers Project Leaders was hired to prepare the

entire body of information to close out the Schools Consolidation/Improvement Projects

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

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

after holding back payment, Colliers provided two-thumb drives containing

documentation to be submitted to the State. He stated Municipalities have been waiting 5

- 7 years for the State to conduct their Project Audit and to release the Grant Funding as

promised to the town; (3) Highlands Wastewater Treatment Plant Project has been

completed; (4) Middle School Gymnasium Floor - Councilor Marshall stated there were

issues regarding the gymnasium floor nails popping up. He stated Superintendent of

Schools Jason Hartling, Board of Education Director of Facilities and Grounds Wayne

Donaldson, Mayor Allyn, III, and PMBC Representatives have been meeting with Project

Manager O&G Industries and Project Engineers Silver Petrucelli to try to resolve the

issue, noting that gymnasium floor was not part of the Middle School Improvement

Project. He stated O&G Industries and Silver Petrucelli stated that they did not have any

documentation stating that the nails popping thru the gymnasium floor was their fault,

stating that they thought this was an issue that previously happened, when there had been

some water damage about five years ago. He stated face nailing was not a standard

practice to fix hardwood flooring, however, apparently someone thought it was a good

idea and it did work for a while. He stated they would continue to monitor the

gymnasium floor and if there was a problem going forward they would hire a contractor

to fix the issue, noting that the cost should be minimal; (5) PMBC Meetings will be held

in a Hybrid Format (both in-person and remotely via video conference).

Councilor Rodriguez addressed the nails popping thru the Middle School gymnasium

floor and she questioned the PMBC response to O&G Industries and Silver Petrucelli

response. Councilor Marshall stated the PMBC was not happy with the response,

however, they had no proof. He stated it was his opinion that O &G Industries was

responsible for the gymnasium floor issues because the Middle School was in their care

when this happened. However, he stated O & G Industries was stating because it was a

pre-existing condition, that it was not their problem.

Councilor Saums questioned whether the gymnasium floor was replaced as part of the

Middle School Improvement Project. Councilor Marshall stated the gymnasium floor was

not replaced as part of the project. Mayor Allyn, III, explained when the gymnasium floor

was originally installed it was a very thick maple hardwood floor, noting that it was still

the original gymnasium floor and that it had about 50% of useable life remaining.

Councilor Saums requested clarification, noting that it was his understanding that the

wood floor had cupped. Mayor Allyn stated the contractor removed about 10-coats of

polyurethan, and once the floor was stripped down to bare maple wood flooring the

contractors were saying the nails could have been there, but until they stripped the floor

they would not have known that the nails were under the polyurethan. He stated the town

did not have any photographic evidence to identify that the nails existed prior to the work

being done. Therefore, he stated it was decided that they would be better off screwing the

floor with countersinks, installing maple plugs, sanding the floor and polyurethan over

those spots. He stated this was included in his July 26, 2023 Report to the Town Council.

RESULT:

Board of Education

Councilor Irwin stated the Board of Education met on July 18, 2023 and addressed the

following: (1) School(s) Consolidation/Improvement Project(s) (Middle School and

Gallup Hill School) Invoices - Councilor Irwin noted the Board of Education was not

going to pay O &G Industries their final payment, until Colliers Project Leaders have

given the Board of Education the Green-Light that O & G Industries has fulfilled their

requirements; (2) Fiscal Year 2022/2023 Budget - The Board of Education

encumbered/expended 99.25% of their fiscal year budget, noting it great that they were

able to stay within their budget during a year in which inflation rates continued to

increase. The Board of Education had about $30,000 remaining that would be allocated

to their Capital Non-Recurring Account; (3) Board of Education’s next meeting will be

held on September 12, 2023.

RESULT:

Parks, Recreation & Senior Citizens Commission Fiscal Year 2023/2024

Councilor Rodriguez stated the new combined Parks, Recreation, & Senior Citizens

Commission held their Organizational Meeting on August 15, 2023. She noted the

Commission elected the following Officers: Chairman Kenneth DiRicco, Vice-Chairman

Jessicca Cobb, and Recording Secretary Paula Crocker. She stated the Commission also

set their Regular Meeting schedule to be the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. to

be held at the Facility on Van Tassel Drive.

RESULT:

Liaison Reports

REPORT OF THE MAYOR:

XII.

Mayor Allyn, III reported on the following: (1) School(s) Consolidation/Improvement

Project(s) (Middle School and Gallup Hill School) - Mayor Allyn noted as Councilor

Marshall reported earlier this evening he participated in a meeting on August 1, 2023 along

with school officials Superintendent of Schools Jason Hartling, Board of Education Director

of Facilities and Grounds Wayne Donaldson, and Colliers Project Leaders at which they

continued to discuss payment status. He noted the State owed the town almost $8 million in

Grant Funding, which did not include the State’s retainage holdback. He explained that the

State has told the Town to submit their Project Audit and they would pay the Town when

they decided to pay them. He noted as an example East Windsor has been waiting for the

State to conduct their Project Audit since 2017. Therefore, he stated Ledyard did not want to

be in line for the State Project Audit and wait for possibly seven-years to receive the Grant

Funding from the State; while the Town carried the Short-Term Borrowing cost for $8

million year after year, until the State gets around to them. Therefore, he stated that he

contacted Ledyard’s State Delegation and he met with State Senator Cathy Osten to work on

the next step, which may require Special Legislation. He went on to note in addition to

Ledyard waiting a number of years for the State to audit their school project, that Waterford

has been waiting five-years, and North Stonington has also not been compensated by the State

with the funding they were supposed to release, before the retainage holdback. He stated that

hopefully there would be multiple people assisting to try to get this right, not only for

Ledyard, but for other towns as well; (2) Eastern Connecticut Housing Opportunities

(ECHO) - Mayor Allyn stated he met with ECHO Director Julie Savin and that she would be

attending the Town Council’s September 13, 2023 meeting give a 15-minute presentation

regarding a proposal to use of a 2.93-acre of surplus land owned by the town located at 158

Gallup Hill Road (former water tower site). He stated the parcel had public water and sewer,

noting that Ms. Savin believed the property may be suitable for a potential combination

workforce/age restricted housing opportunity; (3) Bro’s Barber Shop Ribbon Cutting August

8, 2023 - Mayor Allyn stated he attended the Ribbon Cutting at 12 Military Highway, Gales

Ferry. He welcomed Mr. Brian Osborne to Ledyard’s Business Community, noting that Mr.

Osborne was a Ledyard resident and had a career in the US Navy. He stated Mr. Osborn

worked on his business plan for two-years; and that his Barber Shop was very busy; (4) Solid

Waste Committee Meeting August 15, 2023 - Mayor Allyn stated he was participating on the

Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) Solid Waste Committee for the

Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments (SCCOG). He stated the current Solid

Wast Plan included trucking 800,000 tons of Solid Waste out of Connecticut every year to

landfills in Pennsylvania and Ohio. He stated this would be 40,000 tractor trailers leaving on

our highways that were already stressed, noting that this was only part of a terrible plan. He

stated since the Mira Connecticut Solid Waste Plant in East Hartford closed Tipping Fees

have increased by 30 percent. Therefore, he stated the cost to dispose of solid waste was

dramatically increasing. He stated Southeastern Connecticut Regional Resource Recycling

Authority (SCRRRA) was currently subsiding Ledyard’s Tipping Fees; however, this subsidy

would run out in 2030 and it has been projected that the Town’s Tipping Fees would increase

by 80 percent, bringing the cost up-to $135.00 per ton. He stated, in addition, recycling costs

have been projected to outstrip the tonnage costs for solid waste, noting that this was going to

be a huge problem. Therefore, he stated they were working to develop programs to remove

things from the waste stream in an effort to reduce tonnage. He noted the following two

PILOT Programs: (a) Awareness Campaign - Artificial Intelligence Cameras - This Pilot

Program was scheduled to begin on September 1, 2023. Mayor Allyn explained that the

Trash Collection Trucks would be equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI) Cameras to

monitor what was going into the trash carts and what was going into the recycling carts. He

stated, as an example, if people were bagging their recycling, which they should not do; the

AI Camera would detect that the recycling was bagged and would generate a postcard and

mail it to that house; (b) Textile Recycling Bin - Mayor Allyn explained this PILOT Program

would provide Textile Recycling Bins for people to dispose of clothing/towels/textile items

that were not good enough to donate to places such as the Good Will or other organizations.

He stated the Textile Recycling Bins would need to be located where it could be connected to

WI-FI, because the system included a camera and a sensor to monitor when the Bin was full,

noting that it would send a message for the Bin to be emptied. He stated went on to note that

organics were about 25 percent of the tonnage and that the next PILOT Program they planned

to roll-out was to remove organics from the waste stream; (5) Salty Heffer Restaurant Ribbon

Cutting - August 18. 2023 - Mayor Allyn stated he attended the Ribbon Cutting on Colonel

Ledyard Highway, noting that 75%-80% the Restaurant’s food was Farm to Table noting in

addition to having

their own farm that the owners also shopped at the Farm Farmers Market for fruits and

vegetables, noting that they also use local vendors for their milk, ice cream, cheese, and eggs;

(6) Nuclear Safety Drill - Mayor Allyn stated as Councilor Saums’ mentioned earlier this

evening he participated in the Nuclear Safety Drill earlier today at the Emergency Operations

Center (EOCO) that was located in the basement of the High School. He stated the Drill went

well. He thanked Councilor Saums for attending, Ms. Tomica Hollins from FEMA, and Mr.

Clark Maxson from Dominion Energy (Milestone Nuclear Power Plant); (7) Southeastern

Connecticut Water Authority (SCWA) Town Representative - Mayor Allyn stated he was

looking for a volunteer who was a SCWA Ratepayer to serve as one of Ledyard’s

Representatives on SCWA. He stated this would be someone who lived and area that was

serviced by SCWA such as Christy Hill Road, Barret Park, Bird Land, Parsonage Hill Manor;

(8) Tri-Town Trail Parking Lots -Eversource - Mayor Allyn noted as he has reported at

previous Town Council meetings (November 9, 2022) that in exchange for closing two of the

Tri-Town Trailheads until the Spring, 2023 for safety reasons, while they Eversource was

operating large excavators and other equipment on-site to work on the High-Tension

Transmission Line they offered put in two gravel parking lots for residents to access the

Tri-Town Trail. He stated Eversource planned to start the construction of the two parking lots

next week noting that the work would go into the first week of September, 2023. He stated

one parking lot would be located behind the Red Barn at the Clark Farm and one would be

located across from the Preston Plains Park (trail head). He stated Eversource would be

scraping out some topsoil and putting down processed gravel, and would be rolling,

compacting, and leveling the parking lots. He stated these two access points would be closed

briefly while the parking lots were being done.

Questions to the Mayor -

Councilor Ingalls addressed the Solid Waste Committee and the Awareness Campaign

involving the Artificial Intelligence Cameras, which was scheduled to begin on September

1, 2023 and would generate a postcard if it detected something amiss. She noted the PILOT

Program was currently an education campaign; however, she questioned whether they were

discussing making the Program punitive if there were repeat offenders. Mayor Allyn stated

the Solid Waste Committee has discussed repeat offenders, explaining that currently the

PILOT Program was an educational opportunity because there may be a lack of awareness,

that containers need to be rinsed out or recyclables should not be put into a plastic bag.

However, he stated that he thought the Program would be headed toward an enforcement

program for flagrant offenders. He noted another example was that Styrofoam was a

recyclable product, however, it was not recyclable for Ledyard. He stated that he would be

discussing this with Public Works Director/Town Engineer Steve Masalin.

Councilor Saums addressed the Tri-Town Trail gravel parking lots, and he questioned the

dates that Eversource would be doing the work. Mayor Allyn stated the work would begin

work on August 28, 2023 and the project was expected to be completed around Labor Day

weekend.

Councilor Marshall noted that ARC of Eastern Connecticut had a collection box at the end of

Long Cove Road for recyclable bottles and cans. He stated for folks who do not want to take

the time to return their redemption bottles and cans to the store that they could put them in

the collection box, noting that the proceeds would benefit the non-profit Organization.

Councilor Ingalls questioned where the Textile Recycling Bin be located, noting that Good

Will does not take textiles such as used towels, etc. Mayor Allyn stated at this time they have

not identified a location for the Bin. He stated he did not want the Bin at the Transfer Station

because they were only open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Chairman Dombrowski

suggested the Textile Recycling Box be located near the Linda C. Davis Food Pantry once

the WI-FI was available in that area, noting that it was a very accessible location. Councilor

Rodriguez stated the Animal Control Facility would take used towels and items for bedding

for the animals.

Councilor Rodriguez questioned the Town Council meeting date Eastern Connecticut

Housing Opportunities (ECHO) Director Julie Savin would attending and she questioned the

town-owned property that Ms. Savin was interested in. Mayor Allyn stated Ms. Savin would

be attending the Town Council’s September 13, 2023 meeting to talk about a proposal for a

triangular piece of town owned surplus property which was 2.93-acres located at 158 Gallup

Hill Road (former water tower site). He stated when Groton Utilities came in with water that

Ledyard no longer needed the water tower.

RESULT:

XIII. OLD BUSINESS

None.

XIV. NEW BUSINESS

Administration Committee

MOTION to appoint Ms. Kelly Lamb (U) 93R Lambtown Road, Ledyard, as an Alternate

Member to the Historic District Commission to complete a five (5) year term ending December

6, 2028, filling a vacancy left by Mr. Mayer.

Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor McGrattan

Discussion: Councilor Ingalls stated Ms. Lamb’s Appointment Application and resume was attached

to the agenda on the meeting portal. She stated Ms. Lamb’s family has lived in Ledyard for many

generations and that she was excited to serve on the Historic District Commission. She noted that

Ms. Lamb’s brother Earl (Ty) Lamb attended the Administration Committee’s July 26, 2023 to

support her appointment.

VOTE: 8 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Andra Ingalls

RESULT:

MOVER:

Mary K. McGrattan

SECONDER:

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

Irwin

AYE:

Ryan

EXCUSED:

Finance Committee

MOTION to authorize the Ledyard Board of Education to apply to the Commissioner of

Administrative Services and to accept or reject a grant for the Juliet W. Long School HVAC

project.

In addition, authorize the preparation of at least the schematic drawings and outline

specifications for the Juliet W. Long School HVAC project.

Also, assign the Juliet W. Long School HVAC project to the Permanent Municipal Building

Committee.

Moved by Councilor Saums, seconded by Councilor Ingalls

Discussion: Councilor Saums stated during the August 16, 2023 Finance Committee meeting

they had a lengthy discussion regarding the process to apply for a Grant when the required local

funding source had not yet been identified. He noted Board of Education Director of Facilities

and Grounds Wayne Donaldson was attending tonight’s meeting remotely to answer questions.

Councilor Saums provided some background noting Ledyard’s original Grant Application in the

amount of $6,725,000; which was approved by the townspeople at a Referendum of February 22,

2022 included the following projects: replacement of the roofs at the Central Office, Gales Ferry

School, and Juliet W. Long School; the installation of solar equipment at Gales Ferry School and

Juliet W. Long School; upgrades to the Building Management Systems (BMS) at Gales Ferry

School; and the electrical, and Heating Ventilation/Air Condition (HVAC) upgrades at the

Juliet W. Long School. However, he noted the State did not approve the portion of the request

for the HVAC upgrade at the Juliet W. Long School because the HVAC design that was

submitted was a split system solution. He explained a split system recirculated the air in the

building; opposed to traditional air conditioning systems which takes air from the outside, cools

the air, and then circulates the air through the building and back outside. He noted the following

two reasons it was important to use an air condition system that used outside air; (1) Pandemic,

and (2) Recirculating air within a building causes CO2 levels to rise and the kids in school get

sleepy, which was not good for learning.

Councilor Saums noted to reapply for Grant Funding the Juliet W. Long School’s HVAC system

has been redesigned and he asked Board of Education Director of Facilities and Grounds Wayne

Donaldson whether the redesigned system included more split systems, with ventilators, with

CO2 detectors; or whether it was an air conditioning system that would use air from outside the

building. Mr. Donaldson stated the new HVAC System design was a full air conditioning system

with outdoor CO2 monitoring, outdoor intake, and a Building Maintenance System (BMS),

which was the same system that was installed at the Gallup Hill School and the Middle School.

Councilor Saums continued to state that the new HVAC design for the Juliet W. Long School

would cost significantly more money which has not been identified. He went on to explain the

issue with the Motion, as presented this evening, was that it did not identify the funding source

for the additional local share funding needed. He stated during the Finance Committee’s August

16, 2023 meeting Councilor Ryan made it very clear that the Finance Committee would

approve to forward this three-part Motion (resolutions) to the Town Council for approval with

the minutes reflecting that the wording in the Motion was required by the State; but the

understanding was that all the Finance Committee was authorizing at this time was the

preparation of the Grant Application, not the actual submittal of the Grant Application, until

such time the funding was approved by the Town Council. Therefore, Councilor Saums stated

all the Town Council was approving this evening was the preparation of the Grant Application,

noting that they were not approving the project itself or the spending of the money, because the

funding source has not yet been identified. He stated by only authorizing the preparation of the

Grant Application it provided the Board of Education time to begin gathering the documentation

required to support the Grant Application and it would give the town time to identify the funding

source and sort out the proper process to increase a previously approved Bond Authorization, in

accordance with Chapter VII, Section 9 of the Town Charter which stated:

“Any resolution making a non-budgeted appropriation of less than one (1)

percent of the current tax levy shall become effective after approval by the

Town Council, provided that the Director of Finance certifies that there are

available unappropriated general fund resources in excess of the proposed

appropriation.

Such appropriations shall not exceed accumulatively two (2) percent of the current tax levy

in the current fiscal year.

Any appropriation in excess of the limitations in Section 9 above shall

become effective only after it has been approved by resolution of the Town

Council and adopted at a Town meeting by a majority vote of the qualified

voters present and voting.

Any resolution making a non-budgeted appropriation of more than one (1)

percent of the current tax levy, but less than five (5) percent for any purpose,

any resolution authorizing the issuance of bonds or notes or other

borrowing of less than five (5) percent of the current tax levy, except notes in

anticipation of taxes to be paid within the fiscal year in which issued, and any

sale or purchase of real estate or interest therein shall become effective only

after it has been approved by the Town Council and adopted at a Town

meeting by a majority vote of the qualified voters present and voting at such

meeting.

Councilor Ingalls stated Councilor Saums provided a good synopsis of a very complicated

conversation.

Board of Education Director of Facilities and Grounds Wayne Donaldson stated there was a

number of components to the Grant Application which included obtaining certified copies from

the Town Clerk of the Town Council Minutes and, if required, the minutes from the Special

Town Meeting along with the results, in which they approved the additional funding to support

the redesigned cost of the HVAC Juliet W. Long School. He explained by approving the

three-part Motion (resolutions) as presented this evening it would provide him the opportunity to

begin to gather and upload the many documents required into the State’s Grant Portal. He stated

if or when the additional funding was approved that he could then add those documents and

submit the Grant Application. Councilor Saums stated the Open Grant Application period was

typically 30-60 days. Therefore, he stated there was a sense of urgency to get the process started.

VOTE:

8- 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Bill Saums

RESULT:

MOVER:

Andra Ingalls

SECONDER:

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

AYE:

Irwin

Ryan

EXCUSED:

MOTION to grant a Bid Waiver to Utility Financial Solutions, LLC (UFS) 185 Sunset Meadow

Court, Michigan, in the amount of 13,000 to conduct a Water Services Study regarding Financial

Projection, Cost of Services and Rate Design.

Councilor Saums stated as he mentioned during his Water Pollution Control Report earlier this

evening the WPCA has requested the Town Council not act on this request because the

Cost-of-Service Survey was not included the WPCA Capital Plan or in their Expense Budget.

Therefore, the WPCA decided to postpone their Bid Waiver request for the Cost-of-Service

Study while questions were resolved regarding whether capital or the expense budget should be

used as the funding source for the Study. The WPCA was prepared to resubmit the expense

during their next budget round when the 2024-2025 budget was being prepared.

By consensus the Town Council agreed to remove the WPCA’s Bid Waiver request from their

Agenda.

NO ACTION

RESULT:

MOTION to adopt the proposed “Resolution Adopting The Hazard Mitigation And Climate

Adaptation Plan Update, 2023-2028” as presented in the draft dated August 2, 2023.

Res: #006-2023/AUG 23

RESOLUTION

ADOPTING THE HAZARD MITIGATION

AND CLIMATE ADAPTATION PLAN UPDATE, 2023-2028

CERTIFICATE OF ADOPTION

TOWN OF LEDYARD - TOWN COUNCIL

WHEREAS, the Town of Ledyard has historically experienced severe damage from natural

hazards and it continues to be vulnerable to the effects of those natural hazards profiled in

the plan (e.g. flooding, extreme heat, droughts, severe storms such as thunderstorms and

winter storms, dam failures, wildfires, and earthquakes) resulting in loss of property and

life, economic hardship, and threats to public health and safety; and

WHEREAS, the Ledyard Town Council approved the previous versions of the Hazard

Mitigation Plan in 2005, 2012, and 2018; and

WHEREAS, Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments, of whom the Town of

Ledyard is a member, has determined that climate change is affecting the frequency and

severity of some hazards and therefore elected to expand the Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

to become a Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan Update; and

WHEREAS, committee meetings were held and public input was sought in 2022 regarding

the development and review of the Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan Update;

and

WHEREAS, the Plan specifically addresses hazard mitigation and climate adaptation

strategies and Plan maintenance procedures for the Town of Ledyard; and

WHEREAS, the Plan recommends several hazard mitigation actions that will provide

mitigation for specific natural hazards that impact the Town of Ledyard, with the effect of

protecting people and property from loss associated with those hazards while adapting to the

effects of climate change; and

WHEREAS, Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments has developed and received

conditional approval from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for its

Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan Update under the requirements of 44 CFR

201.6; and

WHEREAS, adoption of this Plan will make the Town of Ledyard eligible for funding to

alleviate the impacts of future hazards;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

1. The Plan is hereby adopted as an official plan of the Town of Ledyard;

2. The respective officials identified in the mitigation strategy of the Plan are hereby

directed to pursue implementation of the recommended actions assigned to them;

3. Future revisions and Plan maintenance required by 44 CFR 201.6 and FEMA are hereby

adopted as a part of this Resolution for a period of five (5) years from the date of this

Resolution.

4. An annual report on the progress of the implementation elements of the Plan shall be

presented to the Town Council.

Adopted by the Town Council of Ledyard, Connecticut on: ____________

____________________________

___________________________

Fred Allyn, III, Mayor Kevin J. Dombrowski, Chairman

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

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has affixed his/her signature and the corporate

seal of the Town of

Ledyard this _____ day of _______________, 2023.

___________________________

Patricia A. Riley, Town Clerk

(Seal)

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

BACKGROUND: SCCOG 2023- 2028 Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation

Five-Year Plan was approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The Plan was developed with input from Southeastern Connecticut Council of Government

Member Municipalities along with Consultant, Resilient Land & Water, LLC.

This was the fourth iteration of this Plan for Southeastern Connecticut.

The adoption of the Plan will enable SCCOG Member Municipalities to apply for and receive

“Pre-disaster” funds from FEMA, from the following programs:

· Hazard Mitigation Grant Program

· Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities

· Flood Mitigation Assistance

The Plan would also act as a guide for planning and funding for other projects either

undertaken with municipal funds or other grants. Most recently, there have been many other

grant opportunities for Resilience/Hazard Mitigation Projects.

The final step in the adoption of the Hazard Mitigation And Climate Adaptation Plan Update,

2023-2028 was for Member Municipalities to adopt the Resolution as provided.

Moved by Councilor Saums, seconded by Councilor Ingalls

Discussion: Councilor Saums stated during past year the Southeastern Connecticut Council of

Government (SCCOG); of which Ledyard was a member, worked with Resilience Engineering

Resilience Land and Water to update the Region’s Five-Year Hazard Mitigation Planning

Effort. He stated by adopting the proposed “Resolution Adopting The Hazard Mitigation And

Climate Adaptation Plan Update, 2023-2028” Ledyard would be eligible to apply for Federal

Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Grants.

Mayor Allyn, III, stated Southeastern Connecticut Council of Government (SCCOG) Member

Municipalities have had this Plan in-place for twenty-years, noting that the Plan was updated

every five-years. He stated by approving the “Hazard Mitigation And Climate Adaptation Plan

Update, 2023-2028” Ledyard would be eligible to apply for the following types of Grant

Funding:

· Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Grants (BRICK)

· Hazard Mitigation Grant Program

· Flood Mitigation Assistance

VOTE: 8 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Bill Saums

RESULT:

MOVER:

Andra Ingalls

SECONDER:

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

Irwin

AYE:

Ryan

EXCUSED:

MOTION to recommend the Town sell the town-owned residential property located at 332

Colonel Ledyard Highway to Leonard D. Sherman for Two Hundred and Eighty Thousand

Dollars ($280,000).

In addition, set a Hybrid (In-Person & Video Conference) Public Hearing date on September 27,

2023 at 6:00 p.m. to be held in the Council Chambers, 741 Colonel Ledyard Highway, in

accordance with CGS -7-163e to receive comments and recommendations regarding the sale of

the town-owned residential property located at 332 Colonel Ledyard Highway to Leonard D.

Sherman for Two Hundred and Eighty Thousand Dollars ($280,000).

Also, set a Hybrid (In-Person & Video Conference) Special Town Meeting on September 27,

2023 at 6:30 p.m. to be held in the Council Chambers, 741 Colonel Ledyard Highway, to

consider, discuss and vote upon the following:

"Shall the Town of Ledyard sell the town-owned residential property located at 332 Colonel

Ledyard Highway to Leonard D. Sherman for Two Hundred and Eighty Thousand Dollars

($280,000)?".

Moved by Councilor Saums, seconded by Councilor Ingalls

Discussion: Councilor Saums explained that this parcel (332 Colonel Ledyard Highway) was

part of a larger property noting that earlier this evening (V. Residents And Property Owners - see

above) Mr. Treaster questioned the size of the property that was being sold to Mr. Sherman.

Councilor Saums provided some background explaining in 2017 a Developer purchased the 96 +

acre Founders Preserve Property along with 332 Colonel Ledyard Highway and some other small

adjacent properties. He stated in working to make a residential sub-division the Developer changed

the original boundary lines, which put the detached garage that belonged to the house at 332 Colonel

Ledyard Highway into the Founders Preserve property. However, he stated the Developer never

moved forward with the planned sub-division; and because the Developer did not pay the taxes on

the properties, which was about $277,000, the Town foreclosed on the properties. He stated at a

Special Town Meeting held on October 28, 2022 the Townspeople voted to transfer the 96 + acre

Founders Preserve property to Avalonia Land Conservancy. However, he explained with the new

boundary lines that the Developer made the Founders Preserve was landlocked and could not be

accessed. He stated since 2022 the property boundary lines have been corrected/restored, so the

detached garage was now back and within the boundaries of the 332 Colonel Ledyard Highway,

enabling the Town to now sell the residential property and recover the back taxes owed to the town.

Mayor Allyn stated with the site plan and survey regarding the former 96.52 + acres Founders

Preserve property complete, the boundary lines have been corrected, so that the detached garage

was now within the property boundary lines of 332 Colonel Ledyard Highway, and therefore, the

property was ready to be sold. He also noted that the Planning & Zoning Commission conducted

an 8-24 Review regarding the sale of the property at their August 10, 2023 meeting.

Mayor Allyn continued by noting that there were a dozen showings of home, and they received

two offers from interested Buyers. He stated both parties were aware that there were competing

offers noting both offers were comparable, but that one offer was significantly higher in dollar

value.

Mayor Allyn went on to explain because there was a title issue when the town acquired the

property thru a foreclosure, the town could not sell property at that time, and has been

renting-out the home out of necessity for nearly five years. He stated Avalonia Land

Conservancy paid for the A2 Survey of the property, which resolved the title issue and so the

town was selling property.

VOTE: 8 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Bill Saums

RESULT:

MOVER:

Andra Ingalls

SECONDER:

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

Irwin

AYE:

Ryan

EXCUSED:

Land Use/Planning/Public Works Committee

MOTION to approve to update the Appendix to the “Resolution Establishing Administrative

Control of Town Owned or Town Leased Properties” titled “List of Real Properties Owned or

Leased by the Town of Ledyard” as presented in the draft dated August 7, 2023.

Moved by Councilor Paul, seconded by Councilor Rodriguez

Discussion: Councilor Paul stated the “Resolution Establishing Administrative Control of Town

Owned or Town Leased Properties” provided the Town Council the authorization to assign

“administrative control" to town-owned or town-leased properties to various departments and

commissions. He noted the Resolution as approved on November 12, 2008 defined

“administrative control as follows:

“Having the authority to grant permissions for temporary use of the property by

groups or individuals; and having the authority to make minor improvements or

enhancements to the property which will not change the overall character or use

of the property; and having the responsibility to maintain the property in such as

way that its present uses may be continued; and having the responsibility to

protect the Town from civil or criminal liability in connection with the property”.

The Resolution also stated:

“….the Town Council or the Town Meeting retains the responsibility for deciding

when any Town owned real property shall be permanently altered, capitally

improved, used for totally different purposes, leased, or transferred; subject only

to the stipulations and approvals which State or Federal laws may require”.

Councilor Paul went on to explain that the Resolution made the List of Town-Owned and

Town-Leased Properties an Appendix to allow for the List and the Assignments to be updated as

needed. He stated the LUPPW Committee spent the last year or so reviewing the List, Properties,

and Maps to remove properties that were no longer under the town’s control and to add new

properties that have come into the town’s inventory since the List was last updated in 2017. He

stated the updated List was attached to tonight’s agenda on the meeting portal. He also noted that

the LUPPW Committee’s working List was also included in the backup materials which used

different colors to identify which properties were added, deleted, or had changes in thier assignment.

Chairman Dombrowski noted 7 Lorenz Parkway (former Police Department Building) should be

removed from the List noting that the town sold the property on June 13, 2018.

Councilor Rodriguez thanked Administrative Assistant Roxanne Maher for her assistance in

updating the List of Town-Owned and Town-Leased Properties, noting keeping track of the many

changes as the LUPPW Committee worked thru the process, was not an easy assignment.

Councilor Saums thanked Chairman Dombroski, noting he knew the List by heart.

Councilor Paul stated Chairman Dombrowski was a great resource, noting his historical recall and

knowledge regarding all of the properties on the Inventory List was invaluable.

The mover and seconder agreed to remove 7 Lorenz Parkway from the List as “friendly

amendment”. It was noted that the updated draft that was being approved this evening was dated

August 23, 2023.

VOTE: 8 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Gary Paul

RESULT:

MOVER:

S. Naomi Rodriguez

SECONDER:

AYE:

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

Irwin

Ryan

EXCUSED:

General Business

Discuss Work Session Items as time permits.

None.

CONTINUE

RESULT:

XV. ADJOURNMENT

Councilor Marshall, moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilor Paul

VOTE: 8 - 0 Approved and so declared. The meeting adjourned at 8:08 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 August 23, 2023.

________________________________________

Kevin J. Dombrowski, Chairman

DISCLAIMER:

Although we try to be timely and accurate these are not official records of the Town.

The Town Council's Official Agenda and final Minutes will be on file in the Town Clerk's

Office.