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, September 13, 2023

7:00 PM

Town Hall Council Chambers

In-Person: Council Chambers Town Hall Annex

Remote: Information noted below:

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

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85663271389?

pwd=K2JFZWFSZUhKM3VVNzFxYkQ3N3lDdz09

Audio Only: Telephone: +1 646 558 8656; Meeting ID: 856 6327 1389; Passcode: 006148

CALL TO ORDER

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

Hall Annex Building.

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

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

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

Website - Granicus-Legistar Meeting Portal.

II.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

ROLL CALL

III.

Chairman Kevin Dombrowski

Councilor Bill Saums

Present:

Councilor Andra Ingalls

Councilor Gary Paul

Councilor John Marshall

Councilor Mary K. McGrattan

Councilor S. Naomi Rodriguez

Councilor Tim Ryan

Councilor Whit Irwin

IV.

PRESENTATIONS

Director of Eastern Connecticut Housing Opportunities (ECHO) Julie Savin

Chairman Dombrowski introduced Ms. Julie Savin, Director of Eastern Connecticut

Housing Opportunities (ECHO).

Ms. Julie Savin, Director of Eastern Connecticut Housing Opportunities thanked the

Town Council for the opportunity to address them this evening. She noted that ECHO

was located at 165 State Street, New London, and she explained that Eastern Connecticut

Housing Opportunities, Inc. (ECHO) was a Connecticut private, nonprofit 501c3

corporation established in 1989 with the mission of improving lives and strengthening

communities in Eastern Connecticut by providing equitable housing opportunities to

individuals and families in the communities in which they worked and wish to lived.

Ms. Savin reviewed a PowerPoint presentation noting the following:

· ECHO had four full-time employees:

ü She was the President and CEO of ECHO and she noted her extensive

background in Affordable Housing Development.

ü One Director of Real-estate Development who has an Engineering Background.

ü One Finance Director who has an Affordable Housing Certified Public

Accountant (CPA) as a consultant on-call. Some of the funding ECHO used was

quite complicated and needed to be done in a particular way in order to provide

reports to their funders.

ü One Project Manager who worked with the Director Real-estate Development.

· Areas of Operation included the following:

ü First-time homeownership programs which included rehab and new construction.

ü Ownership/operation/development of their own portfolio of rental properties for

mixed-income families.

ü Work as a housing developer consultant for a number of small municipalities and

for other non-profits with limited capacity.

· Objective was to build/provide housing when the Market cannot provide enough

housing for people who have limited income. ECHO strived to develop housing that

was compatible with its surrounding area, and was equal to the for-profit housing

development market-rate in their design and building quality. When the Market does

not correct itself ECHO looks to subsidize the building of housing units for people

who have limited income.

· Population Served: EHCO served families in Southeastern Connecticut whose

income ranged from 100% to 25% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for

homeownership; and to market rate for rental housing. The Area Medium Income

was dictated by the Metropolitan Statical Area of Norwich-New London which was

created by Department of Housing Urban Development (HUD). The Area Medium

Income for a family of four was $86,400.

· ECHO Funding - ECHO had 33-years of experience in utilizing funding from a

number of sources in its development opportunities to minimize costs for their

clients, which included the following:

ü Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Small Cities, Department of

Housing (DOH), Bond Funding, Neighborhood Stabilization Program

ü HOME Investment Partnership

ü Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston AHP

ü CHFA HTCC Program, CHFA LIHTC (Low Income Housing Tax Credit) The

Tax Credit Program could only be used for rental projects and it was not a good

option for every rental project.

ü $400,000 Line of Credit from Dime Bank

ü $450,000 Line of Credit from Liberty Bank

ü Foundation Grants from M&T Bank, Dime Bank, Liberty Bank, Webster Bank,

Bank of America, Chelsea Groton Bank, Frank Loomis Palmer Fund

ü State of Connecticut Surplus Property Program

· ECHO Development History from 1989 to 2023

ü ECHO owns 199 rental units in New London, Groton, and Norwich, CT

ü Homeownership rehabilitation: 66 units with 12 pending

ü Homeownership new construction: 25 units

ü Consultant for municipal and nonprofit developers (grant writing with

project/construction management through closeout)

ü 481 units of rental development and raised by ECHO in federal and state grants.

Ms. Savin noted to-date ECHO has provided 864 affordable housing units with a

total investment of State/Federal Funding in the amount of $48,007,984.

Ms. Savin provided a couple of photographs of the types of rental housing units

ECHO provided in working to meet the diverse needs ranging from:

ü Multi apartment complex buildings - ECHO builds row and garden apartments.

They typically do not build high rise apartments, with the exception in areas such

as New London, New Haven, or Hamden, etc.

ü Multi dwellings condominium style complexes.

ü Group Homes for individuals with developmental disabilities or autism that were

supported by ARC of Eastern Connecticut.

ü Single homes (some private homes have been donated to the Organization) (see

attached)

· Ms. Savin reviewed attached Charts:

· Income and Rent Limits for the Norwich-New London which were based on Federal

Statistical Area

· Connecticut Department of Housing - Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program

Utility Allowance Schedule July 1l, 2023 - June 30, 2024.

Ms. Savin explained the attached Department of Housing Chart showed the maximum

rent that could be charged and the maximum income an individual or family could have,

depending on the target, to qualify for Affordable Housing. She went on to note the

following:

· Affordable Housing per the Federal Government ECHO worked to try to keep

housing expenses to 30% or less of someone’s income. Ms. Savin stated that she

liked to work to bring rent expense to 25% of the person’s income, noting that 30%

of a someone’s income when they were not making very much was a lot. She stated

the average housing cost (rent and utilities) was about 50% - 55% of someone’s

income, when their income was considered low. She stated that left very little for

other expenses such as food,

RECEIVED AND FILED

RESULT:

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

MINUTES

Ms. Ginina Diaz, 1546 Route 12, Gales Ferry, stated over the last four years she has

made an effort to become and remain not only aware but up to date on issues in our

community and to also be active. She stated her interests were not topic specific, noting

that her community as a whole meant something to her. She stated in recent week’s that

she has attended multiple meetings to both speak and to support fellow residents. She

stated these meetings have created both concerns and questions for her, noting that she

has spent countless hours searching for answers on-line, on the town’s website, as well as

speaking to other well-informed residents. However, she stated the collective observation

was that some answers seemed to be buried with regard to clear up-to-date accurate, and

available information to the public. She noted the following questions and concerns:

· Who owned the property that Kings Corner Senior Citizens Housing Facility sits on?

· Per Town Hall, the only relationship the Town had with the Housing Authority was

to keep the records of their meeting agendas, minutes, information.

· If this was the case why grant funding for the Housing Authority was distributed

through the Mayor?

· Per the Ledyard website the Mayor oversees the Department Heads; if this was true,

why the Housing Authority Executive Director was not included on Town’s

Employees List on the website?

· Per the Ledyard website the Public Works Department was responsible for the

driveway to the Housing Authority. Given the dangerous new rule that smokers must

be off the property, what would it take to put streetlights and sidewalks in front of

the Kings Corner Senior Citizens Housing?

· Ms. Diaz noted the following concerns:

o Lack of transparency withing the town.

o Lack response from Board members to the Kings Corner Manor residents who

have asked for help.

o Conflict of Interest caused by a person being the chairman of multiple boards

and/or committees.

o Lack of minutes being recorded for the Housing Authority i.e. “Residents

Comments and Concerns”

o Cherry picking members for boards and committees.

o Aggressive tone and/or behavior exhibited by multiple board chairman during

meetings.

Ms. Diaz stated upon their request that she would be happy to provide the Town Council

examples or additional information via email.

Chairman Dombrowski thanked Ms. Diaz for her comments, and he noted the following

facts pertaining to the Kings Corner Manor Senior Housing Facility and the Housing

Authority:

· On February 28, 1978 the Town Council approved a Resolution for the activation of a

Housing Authority, in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes 8-40.

· In 1983 the land acquisition took place, with the construction commencing the

following year.

· On October 21, 1983 per the “Cooperation Agreement between Housing Authority

and Town of Ledyard” the Housing Authority received the State allocation of funds

to support the construction Project Q72-H-E-169 (Kings Corner Manor).

· In 1986 the Kings Corner Senior Citizens and Disabled Housing Project was

completed which was comprised of 30 units in 5 buildings.

· In accordance with CGS 8-58 the Kings Corner Manor would make Payment In Lieu

of Taxes (PILOT) to the Town.

· On October 22, 2014 the Town Council approved “An Ordinance Establishing a

Housing Authority for the Town of Ledyard” to codify, update and facilitate the

“Resolution Re: Activation of a Housing Authority” that was adopted by the Town

Council on February 22, 1978.

· On May 26, 2021 the Town Council amended Ordinance #001-010 “An Ordinance

Establishing a Housing Authority and the Payment In Lieu of Taxes Lieu of Taxes

Agreement for the Town of Ledyard” to include an Appendix to clearly state the

terms of the “Payment In Lieu of Taxes Agreement”.

· In accordance with State Statute and Ordinance #100-010 “An Ordinance

Establishing a Housing Authority And the Payment In Lieu of Taxes Agreement for

the Town of Ledyard”:

o The Town Council appoints five members to the Housing Authority, which

includes one member who was a Kings Corner Manor resident.

o The Housing Authority makes a Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) per CGS 8-

58. Per the Agreement the PILOT was seven percent (7%) of the Kings Corner

Senior Housing Facility’s net rents. In addition, the Housing Authority allocated

three percent (3%) of their net rent to their Short Term Investment Fund (STIF),

which was an account that was not held by the Town, to be used for capital

purchases and improvements. If the Kings Corner Manor Housing Facility were

to pay property taxes to the town the cost would be $29,448 annually.

· On March 11, 2021 the Housing Authority applied for a critical need grant through

the Department of Housing/Connecticut Housing Finance Agency (DOH/CHFA).

· In June, 2021 the Housing Authority received notification that their Grant

Application had been approved/awarded. For auditing purposes, the grant funding

was required to flow through the Town.

· The Town does not manage, hire, fire, provide payroll, maintain, perform grounds

maintenance, provide the use of the Town Attorney, advertise rentals, draft, edit,

update or approve or deny leases, hold security deposits, hire legal counsel for

evictions, establish, modify or update policies, etc., for the Housing Authority.

In addition, the Housing Authority was not part of the required Municipal Annual

Audit. The Housing Authority issues a Request for Proposals (RFP) to obtain

independent audit services.

· The Town does act as a central repository for minutes and agendas, to fill vacant

Board Member seats as needed, and acts as the Grant Recipient for the Housing

Authority when large grants are received.

Chairman Dombrowski concluded his remarks by noting as he has previously stated, the

Town Council had no authority or jurisdictional control over the Housing Authority. He

stated the Housing Authority falls under the State of Connecticut. He stated the Town

Council understands the comments, concerns, and issues that have been brought to their

attention. He stated when residents brought their concerns regarding the Kings Corner

Manor Housing Facility to the Town Council’s August 23, 2023 meeting that he

forwarded their concerns to the Community Relations Committee to see if they could

help foster a better relationship. However, he stated that this exceeded what the Town

Council was authorized to do. He stated although he feels for what was going on at the

Housing Authority, that all the Town Council could do was appoint the members to the

Board. He went on to note that other than being the depository for the Housing

Authority’s agendas and minutes, that the Town’s involvement with the Housing

Authority was to help them administer grant funding they received. He stated the Town

had zero authority over the actions of the Housing Authority, noting that fell solely under

the State of Connecticut.

Mr. Edward Murray, 16 Chapman Lane, Gales Ferry, stated he understood that the Kings

Corner Manor Senior Citizens Housing Facility was a frustrating topic for the Town

Council because it has come up before. He stated that because he was new to Ledyard

that he believed he read somewhere that the Mayor had some interaction with the

Housing Authority; and that the Town Council appointed the members to the Housing

Authority. Therefore, he questioned if the Town Council did not have the authority, who

in the State had the authority to help the residents with their concerns and questions

regarding the Kings Corner Senior Citizens Housing Facility. Mayor Allyn, III, stated

the two State Agency that oversees the Housing Authority were: (1) Department of

Housing (DOH); and (2) Connecticut Housing Financial Agency (CHFA). Mr. Murray

asked when he contacted these State Agencies what he should say he was calling about.

Mayor Allyn stated the Kings Corner Manor was housing for senior citizens and disabled

residents with income limitations. He also referred Mr. Murray to Connecticut State

Statue 8-40 which outlined the parameters of State permitted housing authorities in all of

the 169 municipalities. Mr. Murray stated that he read most of the State Statute Mayor

Allyn referenced and he commented that some of the state statues did not jive with what

he was seeing. He stated he understood the Housing Authority was a unique, separate

organization, however, he stated whatever we do its needed to be people first.

Chairman Dombrowski stated he understood Mr. Murray’s comments, however, the

Town Council had no authority.

Mrs. Eleanor Murray, 16 Chapman Lane, Gales Ferry, stated there were two issues that

she wanted to bring to the Town Council’s attention, which were in addition to six other

issues that she would not address tonight. She noted the following:

· Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Law - Mrs. Murray

stated the HIPAA Law was being violated. She stated HIPAA was no joke and that

they do not fool around.

· Non- Smoking Policy - Mrs. Murray stated the Senior Citizens who were asked to

smoke in the street were approached by a Police Officer and was told that they could

not smoke in the street. The Police Officer told the Senior Citizens that they could go

to the Stonington Institute property to smoke. She stated in response to the Senior

Citizens’ concern that they did not think they could smoke on Stonington Institute

property the Police Officer made a telephone call, and came back to the Senior

Citizens and said it was okay. Mrs. Murray stated the Senior Citizens may be old and

disabled, but that they were not stupid. She stated a couple days later the Senior

Citizens called the Stonington Institute to clarify whether they said that they could

smoke on their property; and the Stonington Institute said “No” they did not want the

Senior Citizens smoking on their property. Mrs. Murray rhetorically questioned

where the Senior Citizens could smoke, should they smoke on the street, where the

Police Officer told them they could not smoke, noting that they could not smoke on

the Kings Corner Manor Housing property, or should they smoke on the Stonington

Institute property, where the Police Officer told them to smoke, but that the

Stonington Institute did not want the Senior Citizens to smoke on their property. Mrs.

Murray stated every Housing Authority property in the State allowed tenants to

smoke 25 feet away from the building. She stated that she wanted to bring these

issues to the Town Council’s attention because they involved Ledyard people.

Mrs. Murray concluded her comments by stating the Housing Authority minutes do not

reflect what happens at their meetings. She stated the minutes did not say anything about

her attending the meeting or about what she said or what she did at the meeting; and they

did not include any of the tenants comments. She stated this was a Freedom of

Information violation.

Chairman Dombrowski thanked Mrs. Murray for her comments.

Ms. Nicole Cruz-Glacken, 5 Allyn Lane, Gales Ferry, attending remotely, suggested the

Town Council have a sign-in sheet, noting that although they all knew where she lived,

that it would be nice for people to come forward with their comments and not have their

addresses broadcast throughout the town. She stated she was present this evening to

express her disappointment, noting that she was dismayed and discouraged. She stated

that she has dealt with many things in this town, and if she was not raising children and

she had not planted roots in this town that she would leave. She stated she had been

dealing with her own issues regarding Ledyard Youth Football, and that she was not sure

if the Town Council was the appropriate place to come. However, she stated in reviewing

the communications list for tonight’s meeting that she saw an email communication

regarding Ledyard Youth Football between a Town Councilor, the Superintendent of

Schools, and the Director of Parks & Recreation.

From: Scott Johnson <Scott@ledyardrec.org>

Sent: Monday, August 28, 2023 10:54 AM

To: Jay Hartling <jhartling@ledyard.net>; Andra Ingalls

<aingalls@ledyardct.org>

Cc: Fred Allyn, III <mayor@ledyardct.org>; Roxanne Maher

<council@ledyardct.org>; josh@joshuasworldwide.com;

ledyardyouthleaguefootball@gmail.com

Subject: RE: Ledyard Youth Football League - Rain cancellations

Good morning Andra,

Unfortunately, we don’t have the facilities to hold practice in the rain. Our fields

are natural turf fields and using them in certain conditions is a safety concern. In

addition to safety using the field when wet causes significant damage. Our field

closures are not meant to take practice time away from the kids, but rather ensure

the kids continue to have a field to use. The only football games played in the heavy

rain are on synthetic turf fields, games held on natural turf fields would be

canceled/ rescheduled in the event we receive significant rain.

Unfortunately, the solution would be to install a synthetic turf field and that would

cost over a million dollars.

Sincerely,

Scott Johnson Jr, CPSI

Director

Ledyard Parks and Recreation Department

Ledyard Senior Center

12 Van Tassell Drive

Gales Ferry, CT 06335

860-464-9112

www.ledyardrec.org <http://www.ledyardrec.org/>

From: Jay Hartling <jhartling@ledyard.net <mailto:jhartling@ledyard.net>>

Sent: Friday, August 25, 2023 5:51 PM

To: Andra Ingalls <aingalls@ledyardct.org <mailto:aingalls@ledyardct.org>>

Cc: Fred Allyn, III <mayor@ledyardct.org <mailto:mayor@ledyardct.org>>;

Roxanne Maher <council@ledyardct.org <mailto:council@ledyardct.org>>; Scott

Johnson <Scott@ledyardrec.org <mailto:Scott@ledyardrec.org>>;

josh@joshuasworldwide.com <mailto:josh@joshuasworldwide.com>;

ledyardyouthleaguefootball@gmail.com

<mailto:ledyardyouthleaguefootball@gmail.com>

Subject: Re: Ledyard Youth Football League - Rain cancellations

LPS is always willing to collaborate to figure out solutions. Unfortunately the rain

poses a challenge for all of the teams in Ledyard, including our HS programs.

If there is something we can do, please have LYF reach out to us, the President has

my number.

Jay

On Fri, Aug 25, 2023 at 4:07 PM Andra Ingalls <aingalls@ledyardct.org

<mailto:aingalls@ledyardct.org>> wrote:

All,

Where can the Ledyard Youth Football League practice when it rains?

I just had a conversation with Joshua McKeon (of Joshua's Worldwide.) He

emphasized that he was not calling me as a rep for the Ledyard Youth Football

League, but rather a coach and a local business owner that supports the League.

His interest is providing a healthy community opportunity for the kids.

When it rains, football practice is canceled. For the past several years, Josh,

because of his business resource, has been able to bring his team to a field at

Mashantucket to practice in the rain. The tribe is happy to host them and does not

charge for the use of the

field. Recently, the League has stipulated that if one team goes, they all go. Fair

enough, but the field on the Reservation is not large enough for the entire league at

once. So, an opportunity is lost.

Football is a sport that plays games even in rain. How can we make a way to let the

League practice in the rain, too? It is totally understandable that the fields need to

be maintained for all the sports that use them. Still, there must be a solution here. Is

it Depta? The High School? I think we all agree that sports provide a whole lot of

good for our kids. Let's find a way to make sure that this opportunity isn't lost to wet

weather.

I suspect this issue can be solved. Again, the question is where can the Ledyard

Youth Football League practice when it rains?

Thank you!

Andra Ingalls

Town Councilor

Administration Committee Chair

Finance Committee Member

(860) 961-2414

Ms. Cruz-Glacken stated they have been told in the past that when people choose to run

for certain positions, and that some make money, that if they did things that they did not

agree with, that they could not make it personal. However, she stated that she was

confused about how it was okay or it was appropriate for Town Councilors to advocate

for certain things on behalf of people and name drop those people, along with the

company where they worked; as if it had any validity in this situation, if it had nothing to

do with that person coming forward as a Coach of Ledyard Youth Football. She stated

that she saw in the email communication that the Superintendent of Schools was saying

the President of the Ledyard Youth Football League could contact him to discuss

something or other, because he had his telephone number. Ms. Cruz-Glacken stated that

she was sure that the President of the Ledyard Youth Football League did have the

Superintendent of Schools telephone number because the President of the Ledyard Youth

Football League was also the Chairman of the Board of Education. She stated although it

would be nice for our children, including two of her children, to be able to have a place

to practice when it rained, that what was more important to her was safety. She stated this

was the same Coach who tried to throw her kid back into a game after she had taken him

to a specialist to find out that he had a hairline fracture in his hand and in his growth

plate. She stated as she approached the field when half-time was about to start, it was the

Coach, her husband, her son and herself, and the Coach was yelling in her son’s face “I

told him it was okay, its time to rock-n-roll”. She stated this was what was more

important to her. She went on to note prior to this incident her daughter nearly passed out

on the field during a soccer game because she had been playing during the entire game,

both offense and defense up and down the field, up until there was 1 minute and 47

seconds left on the clock. She stated her daughter was suffering from heat exhaustion.

She stated the lack of transparency and the intersections of the same people showing up

over and over again, gives the appearance that you could get things done is this town if

you know somebody who knows somebody, who knows a Republican. She stated this

makes her question how much money this particular business may donate to a particular

group in this town. She asked the Town Council to do the work for the people in this

town and that they work with us and for us, instead of forming alliances and making

backroom deals and under the table handshakes. She stated many of us who have been

paying attention for years, can see the writing on the walls, and she stated it was

disappointing and it was embarrassing. She stated although it might make some people

happy to know how upset this has made her, it was not a good look the town. She stated

as part of the minority in town that if she could relocate her family to a more inclusive

place, a more productive place, to a place that makes the “W” for “Wellbeing” instead of

the “Win” that she would.

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

Ms. Sheri Fernandez, 60 Kings Highway, Gales Ferry, stated that she was going to talk

again this evening about the issue of smoking at the Kings Corner Senior Citizens

Housing Facility. She stated the Housing Authority Board Members who voted for the

Non-Smoking Policy were all non-smokers. She questioned whether the outcome may

have been different if there were three, four, or five smokers on the Housing Authority

Board. She questioned the equality of five non-smokers voting on a Non-Smoking

Policy. She stated that she called this prejudice; plain and simple. She asked if 25-feet

away from the buildings was good enough for the State, why was it not good enough for

the Housing Authority Board. She stated it was not because of the Housing Authority

Board’s concern for the residents’ welfare and well-being, as they would have them all

believe. She stated if this was true they would be willing to compromise with the

residents and not put them in an unsafe environment. She stated the residents were

willing to compromise, they were willing to go farther than 25-feet away from the

building, just not 300-feet away to a street or sidewalk that was not lite. She stated as

Mrs. Murray stated earlier this evening, it was becoming increasingly unsafe. Ms.

Fernandez stated she was the person who was approached by the Police Officer, noting

that she had his name, who told her that she could not park in the street. She stated there

were no “No Parking” signs, or no “Fire Zones” marked. She stated the street only had

speed limit signs and stop signs. She stated that she was having to go farther and farther

away from her home onto someone else’s private property, which was off a public street

to smoke. She stated when she told the Police Officer that she did not want to get in

trouble for being on someone else’s private property the Police Officer said that he called

his Sargent, and that the Sergeant said it was okay. She stated she was now in a position

where she runs the risk and the fear of being on someone else’s private property parking

lot and having another Police Officer come by and giving her a ticket because she was on

private property. She stated the five-member Housing Authority Board’s unwillingness to

compromise has put them in this dangerous situation. She stated as adults that we should

all respect each other’s personal choices and compromise when warranted. She noted the

background pertaining to the Kings Corner Manor Senior Housing Facility and the

Housing Authority that Chairman Dombrowski reviewed earlier this evening. She went

on to note in response to the question of “Who owned the Kings Corner Manor Senior

Citizens Housing Facility” that was asked at the Housing Authority’s September 6, 2023

meeting; the Board responded that they did not know. She questioned if the Housing

Authority does not own the Facility what gives them the authority?

Chairman Dombrowski thanked Ms. Fernandez for her comments.

VI.

COMMITTEE COMMISSION AND BOARD REPORTS

None.

VII. COMMENTS OF TOWN COUNCILORS

None.

This was Approved and so declared.

VIII. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of August 223, 2023

Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor Rodriguez

VOTE:

9 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

RESULT:

Communications List - September 13, 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 several reappointments and one new appointment. She noted the Committee

had a few items on tonight’s Agenda.

RESULT:

Community Relations Committee

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

Council meeting and he noted the Committee’s meeting was scheduled for Wednesday,

September 20, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers.

RESULT:

Finance Committee

Councilor Saums stated the Finance Committee held a Special Meeting earlier this evening

and he noted they have a number of items on tonight’s agenda.

RESULT:

Land Use/Planning/Public Works Committee

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

meeting. He stated the next LUPPW Committee meeting was scheduled for Wednesday,

October 2, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in the Annex Meeting Room.

RESULT:

Liaison Reports

Ledyard Beautification Committee

Councilor Ingalls stated the Beautification Committee met on September 5, 2023 and addressed

the following: (1) Purchased a new Event Banner to identify themselves when working around

town or participating in events such as the Farmers Market; (2) New Members - Applications

have been received to fill the two vacancies on the Committee. Councilor Ingalls noted that the

Town Council would be appointing one member later this evening; (3) Committee Officers -

The Committee still needed to choose their Recording Secretary; and Treasurer; (4) Upcoming

Projects included: (a) Attending the September 20, 2023 Farmers’ Market; (b) Public Spaces

plantings - Councilor Ingalls stated the Beautification Committee previously worked with some

landscaping business who have adopted some public spaces and donated time and materials to

plant and maintain those areas around town. She noted because a couple of areas needed some

attention that the Committee would be contacting the landscape businesses.

RESULT:

REPORT OF THE MAYOR:

XII.

Mayor Allyn, III reported on the following: (1) Tri-Town Trail Parking Lots -Eversource -

Mayor Allyn noted as he has reported at previous Town Council meetings (November 9,

2022, August 23, 2023) that in exchange for closing two of the Tri-Town Trailheads until last

Spring, 2023 for safety reasons, while Eversource was operating large excavators and other

equipment on-site to work on the High-Tension Transmission Line, that Eversource offered

put in two gravel parking lots for residents to access the Tri-Town Trail. He stated he along

with Land Use Director Juliet Hodge and Parks, Recreation, & Senior Citizens Director Scott

Johnson, Jr., met with Eversource earlier this week on location. He stated the work was

in-process and the Parking Lots should be completed in a couple of days; (2) 2023-2024

School Year - Mayor Allyn stated he attended the first day of school with Superintendent

Hartling on August 31, 2023. He stated they visited all of the schools noting that a lot of work

was done over the summer vacation and that all the school facilities looked great; (3)

Reopening of the Bill Weigh Station - Mayor Allyn stated he attended the event which was

held at the corner of Spicer Hill and Church Hill Road. He stated this was a very old 1820 era

General Store, which was a stopover in its day, noting that Spicer Hill and Church Hill Road

were considered two major cross roads at that time. He stated the Town assisted the Ledyard

Ecclesial Society, and the Ledyard Congregational Church with obtaining the State Historic

Preservation Office Grant (SHIPPO) to do some renovation work to reopen the Weigh

Station. He stated the Organizations did a great job noting that it was impressive; (3) Solid

Waste Committees - Mayor Allyn stated the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities

(CCM) Solid Waste Committee and the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments

Solid Waste Committee (SCCOG) had two meetings since the August 23, 2023 Town

Council Meeting. He noted they have developed an outline in preparation for writing a White

Paper to submit to the State of Connecticut on how the State should proceed in terms of going

forward with recycling and solid waste. Mayor Allyn also noted that Southeastern

Connecticut Regional Resource Recovery Authority (SCRRRA) was working on a PILOT

Program with Parrel Impact to recycle textiles that were not in good enough condition to

donate to Good Will, such as clothing, bedding, undergarments, leather goods ( belts and

worn-out shoes), etc. He stated Parrel Impact would provide an enclosed Textile Dumpster at

the Transfer Station for residents to bring their items to. He stated to provide 24/7 access to a

Textile Dumpster that he asked the Gales Ferry Fire Department if they would be willing to

have Textile Dumpster at their location; (4) Police Department Staffing - Mayor Allyn stated

new Police Officer Joshua Montpelier was sworn-in on September 6, 2023 and he noted that

Officer Montpelier was currently attending the Police Academy. He stated as Police Officers

were planning to retire the Department had some replacements coming on staff; (5) Schools

Various Projects Bond Authorization - Mayor Allyn stated he and Finance Director Matthew

Bonin had a conference call with Bond Council Glen Rybacki of Pullman & Comley on

September 7, 2023 to review the logistics to increase the $6,720,000 Bond Authorization that

was approved by the townspeople at the February 22, 2022 Referendum by an additional

$1,825,000 for the redesigned Heating Ventilation Air Condition (HVAC) System at the Juliet

W. Long School. He stated the new total appropriation would be $8,550,000 and that the

process was in-place subject to the townspeople approval; (6) Road Work and Road Surface

Rating (RSR) - Mayor Allyn stated Jessica Lane would be the last road paved for this year.

He stated the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation (MPTN) has agreed to share 50% of the

cost to pave the road; and he thanked the MPTN for their financial assistance. He went on to

explain that every three-years the Beta Group, Inc. performs a road surface evaluation on

every mile of roadway in town, using infra-red technology, to provide a Road Surface Rating

(RSR). He stated they were due for a road surface evaluation this year and he stated that they

expected to see a very good Road Surface Rating, noting that it would probably be our best

ever; (7) Upcoming Projects - Solicitation of Bids - Mayor Allyn noted the following projects

would all be going out to bid in the next month: (a) Multi-Model Pathway Project using

Local Transportation Capital Improvement Plan (LOTCIP) Grant Funding. Mayor Allyn

noted the Town applied for this Grant Funding in June 2019; (b) Ledyard Center Sewer

Extension Project using some of the town’s American Rescue Plan Act Funding (ARPA);

and (3) Lantern Hill Road Bridge over Whitford Brook Project using the funding from the

State’s Local Bridge Program. Mayor Allyn noted the bridge project was being done in

conjunction with the Town of Stonington; (8) Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade Project -

Mayor Allyn stated one of the new Smith and Loveless Skid Mounted Sewer Pumps that was

installed had an issue with the starter. He noted the starter has been replaced and that

Wastewater Supervisor Steve Banks reported that both pumps were running well. He

explained the plan was for the two pumps to alternate instead of one pump constantly

running. He stated the project came in slightly over budget because the electric to the Pump

Station had to be corrected. He stated the Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) would

be submitting a Legislative File to request authorization to overspend the budget line; (9)

Parks & Recreation Summer Camp Programs - Mayor Allyn stated the Program saw a 30%

increase in the number of kids that sign-up and participated in the Program this summer; (10)

Dog Licensing - Mayor Allyn stated June was Dog Licensing Month. He stated the Town

Clerk’s Office reported that they provided licenses for an additional 200 dogs this year. He

stated the Town Clerk’s Office believed the increase in dog licenses was because the State

approved Legislation that required dogs to be licensed in order to go to a dog care facility

(doggie day care, kennel, grooming, etc.); (11) Telephone Landline Contract - Mayor Allyn

stated MIS Director Justin Dube negotiated a new telephone landline contract for the town to

support multiple facilities. He stated the new contract would provide a savings of $4,000

annually; (12) Building Department - Mayor Allyn stated the Building Department was

extremely busy this summer, noting that since May the Department averaged $2 million per

month in new development value.

Questions to the Mayor

Councilor Rodrigeuz asked Mayor Allyn to repeat his comment regarding the Building

Department. Mayor Allyn stated since May the Department averaged $2 million per month in

new development value.

RESULT:

XIII. OLD BUSINESS

None.

XIV. NEW BUSINESS

Administration Committee

MOTION to adopt a “Town of Ledyard Policy Regarding Access and Key Control, and Key

Distribution Form” as presented in the draft dated August 8, 2023.

DRAFT: 8/8/2023

Policy #2023-09-13

TOWN OF LEDYARD

POLICY REGARDING

ACCESS AND KEY CONTROL

1. PURPOSE

To ensure the safety and security of all employees, visitors, buildings, and equipment of

the Town of Ledyard.

2. ACCESS AUTHORIZATION AND KEY ASSIGNMENT

Each Administrator shall determine which doors their employees have access to and

authorize the issuance of keys accordingly.

Upon termination, employees will be required to return all issued keys to the Human

Resources Department as well as any other Town issued equipment.

Only the Director of Public Works, or designee, may issue and duplicate keys. A Key

Distribution Form will be generated for each key, and all employees must personally

sign for each key they are issued.

3. TEMPORARY STAFF & VOLUNTEERS

Temporary staff with assignments lasting 20 or fewer weeks will be issued a key only at

the discretion of the Director of Public Works, or designee. Volunteers, student teachers,

interns, contractors, and other similar guests will not be issued keys. Access to secured

areas may be provided by an Administrator only. Special circumstances only will be

addressed on a case-by-case basis.

4. KEY CONTROL

Employees shall keep keys in their possession and ensure that they are appropriately

secured when not in their possession. Employees shall only use their keys to access

authorized areas for the purpose of conducting Town business, performing their duties,

or as otherwise authorized by their Administrator.

Employees shall not loan their keys to others or unlock doors for unauthorized persons.

Any person who attempts to duplicate a Town-issued key by means outside of the DPW,

or uses a key to access an area for purposes not authorized by the Administrator, may be

disciplined up to and including termination and/or reported to the appropriate law

enforcement authorities.

All employees must turn in their keys to the Human Resources Department upon

separation.

5. LOST/STOLEN/MISSING/NON-RELINQUISHED/ EXTRA KEY EXPENSE

RESPONSIBILITY

Keys that are lost, stolen, missing, not relinquished from exiting employees, or otherwise

unaccounted for shall be reported to the Director of Public Works immediately.

Employees are responsible for the expense of replacing missing keys at the then current

cost of the key. The replacement fee is non-refundable, even if the old key is located.

Adopted by the Ledyard Town Council on: ___________

___________________________

Kevin J. Dombrowski, Chairman

Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor Irwin

Discussion: Councilor Ingalls explained Administrator of Human Resources Marisa Rodriguez

drafted and submitted the proposed “Town of Ledyard Policy Regarding Access and Key

Control, and Key Distribution Form” to become part of town’s procedures for the

on-boarding of new employees and exiting employees who were leaving the town’s

employment. She stated the proposed Policy would also provide a method to account for

keys that have been provided to employees for the safety and security of all employees,

visitors, buildings, and equipment of the Town of Ledyard. She stated the Policy would have one

person issue the keys, which would be the Public Works Department; and only one person to

collect the keys, which would be the Human Resources Department during the employee’s exit

interview.

VOTE: 9 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Andra Ingalls

RESULT:

MOVER:

Whit Irwin

SECONDER:

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

Ryan, and Irwin

AYE:

MOTION to adopt the following amendment to the Employee Handbook approved on April 26,

2023:

Page 17: Special Storm & Emergency Procedures (Paragraph 5):

“When the Town is closed, all employees designated as essential personnel are to report to work

as scheduled, or in the case of an early closing, the Department Head or Supervisor may require

essential personnel to stay. Essential personnel are defined as:

Dispatch

Highway/Public Works/Maintenance

Police

Fire”.

Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor McGrattan

Discussion: Councilor Ingalls explained that the Town Council approved an updated

Employee Handbook at their April 26, 2023 meeting. She stated recently it was noticed that

“Dispatch” was not specifically noted in the list of “Essential Personnel” on page 17 of the

Employee Handbook. Therefore, she stated this was an administrative action to simply add

“Dispatch” as noted above.

Mayor Allyn, III, explained when the Employee Handbook was updated that they essentially

considered Dispatch as being under the preview of the Police Department. However, he

explained that staff has requested Dispatch to be listed separately.

VOTE: 9 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Andra Ingalls

RESULT:

MOVER:

Mary K. McGrattan

SECONDER:

AYE:

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

Ryan, and Irwin

MOTION to appoint Ms. Jennifer Bingham (D) 26 West Drive, Gales Ferry, to the Ledyard

Beautification Committee to complete a three (3) year term ending October 26, 2026 filling a

vacancy left by Ms. Maugle.

Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor McGrattan

Discussion: Councilor Ingalls stated Ms. Bingham expressed an interest in serving on the

Beautification Committee; and that her appointment has been endorsed by the Democratic

Town Committee. She noted Ms. Bingham has been an active member in the community

serving as a Girl Scout Leader and that she was on the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO).

Councilor Ingalls went on to state that she was always interested in reading Applicant’s

background and their reason for volunteering to serve the town. She stated Ms. Bingham

noted as a fourteen-year resident that she has seen so many people work together to make

Ledyard such a welcoming place to live. She stated that Ms. Bingham went on to note that

she had been searching for the perfect opportunity to be involved as a volunteer and the

vacancy on the Beautification Committee was brought to her attention.

Councilor Ingalls continued to note that residents could now apply on-line using the

Granicus Meeting portal and she stated that the Appointment Applications were much more

accessible and were clean and nicely presented. She noted that there would be one more

appointment to the Beautification Committee coming forward for consideration at the Town

Council’s September 27, 2023 meeting.

Councilor Rodriguez thanked Ms. Bingham for volunteering to serve the town.

VOTE: 9 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Andra Ingalls

RESULT:

MOVER:

Mary K. McGrattan

SECONDER:

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

Ryan, and Irwin

AYE:

MOTION to 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, to

receive comments and recommendations regarding the following:

(1) An Ordinance Concerning Liability Pertaining To First Responders Providing Emergency

Assistance as contained in the draft dated July 31, 2023.

(2) An Ordinance Establishing Tax Relief for Certain Modified Handicap Accessible

Vehicles in the Town of Ledyard as contained in the draft dated August 23, 2023.

(3) Ordinance #500-005 (rev. 1) An Ordinance Rescinding “An Ordinance Establishing a

Nursing Service Board “ as contained in the draft dated July 31, 2023.

(4) 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.

Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor Irwin

Discussion: Councilor Ingalls stated in accordance with Chapter II; Section 5 of the Town

Charter a Public Hearing was required before the adoption of an Ordinance.

VOTE: 9 - 0 Approved and so declared

A motion was made by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor Irwin, that this be Approved

and so declared. The motion carried by the following vote:

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Andra Ingalls

RESULT:

MOVER:

Whit Irwin

SECONDER:

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

Ryan, and Irwin

AYE:

Finance Committee

MOTION to waive the reading in its entirety the "Resolution Amending The Resolution Entitled

"Resolution Appropriating $6,725,000 For Various School Improvement Projects; And

Authorizing The Issue Of Bonds And Notes In The Same Amount To Finance Said

Appropriation" To Increase The Appropriation And Borrowing Authorization To $8,550,000".

Moved by Councilor Saums, seconded by Councilor Ryan

Discussion: Councilor Saums explained that this motion was to only waive the reading of the

“Resolution Amending the Resolution Entitled “Resolution Appropriating $6,725,000 For

Various School Improvement Projects; And Authorizing the Issue of Bonds and Notes In The

Same Amount To Finance Said Appropriation” To Increase the Appropriation And

Borrowing Authorization To $8,550,000”. He stated the Resolution was quite long and that it

was available on the meeting portal as part of tonight’s meeting packet. He noted that he

would provide background regarding the need to adopt the Resolution during the Town

Council’s discussion of Item #6 below.

VOTE: 9 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

RESULT:

Bill Saums

Tim Ryan

MOVER:

SECONDER:

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

Ryan, and Irwin

AYE:

MOTION to approve the “Resolution Amending The Resolution Entitled “Resolution

Appropriating $6,725,000 For Various School Improvement Projects; And Authorizing the Issue

of Bonds And Notes In The Same Amount To Finance Said Appropriation” To Increase the

Appropriation And Borrowing Authorization To $8,550,000”.

Res: 003-2023/SEP 13 (a)

RESOLUTION

AMENDING THE RESOLUTION ENTITLED

“RESOLUTION APPROPRIATING $6,725,000 FOR VARIOUS SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT

PROJECTS; AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUE OF BONDS AND NOTES

IN THE SAME AMOUNT TO FINANCE SAID APPROPRIATION”

TO INCREASE THE APPROPRIATION AND BORROWING AUTHORIZATION TO $8,550,000

WHEREAS, on February 22, 2022, the voters of the Town approved a resolution entitled

“RESOLUTION APPROPRIATING $6,725,000 FOR VARIOUS SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT

PROJECTS; AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUE OF BONDS AND NOTES IN THE SAME

AMOUNT TO FINANCE SAID APPROPRIATION” (the “Original Resolution”) for various school

improvement projects, including in part HVAC upgrades at Juliet W. Long School (the “Project”);

and

WHEREAS, the Town anticipates the State’s approval of the HVAC upgrades at Juliet W.

Long School in the amount $2,225,000, resulting in an increase of $1,825,000 to the $400,000

originally approved as part of the Project; and

WHEREAS, the Town anticipates receiving reimbursements in State grant funds in an

amount equal to approximately 62% of the total costs of the HVAC upgrades a Juliet W. Long

School; and

WHEREAS, contingent upon the State’s approval of the HVAC upgrades at Juliet W. Long

School and related grant reimbursements to the Town, the Town wishes to proceed with the

increased HVAC upgrades at Juliet W. Long School; and

WHEREAS, in order to proceed with the increased HVAC upgrades at Juliet W. Long

School upon receipt of the State’s approvals, the Original Resolution will need to be amended to

increase the appropriation and borrowing authorization.

RESOLVED,

(a) The Original Resolution adopted February 22, 2022 by the voters of the Town, entitled

“RESOLUTION APPROPRIATING $6,725,000 FOR VARIOUS SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT

PROJECTS; AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUE OF BONDS AND NOTES IN THE SAME

AMOUNT TO FINANCE SAID APPROPRIATION” (the “Original Resolution”), which is hereby

ratified, confirmed and adopted, is amended by increasing the appropriation and bond authorization

by $1,825,000 to a total of $8,550,000.

(b) The title of the Original Resolution is hereby replaced in its entirety by the following:

“RESOLUTION APPROPRIATING $8,550,000 FOR VARIOUS SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT

PROJECTS; AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUE OF BONDS AND NOTES IN THE SAME

AMOUNT TO FINANCE SAID APPROPRIATION”

(c)

In each of Sections 1, 2 and 3 of the Original Resolution, the amount of SIX

MILLION SEVEN HUNDRED TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($6,725,000) is hereby

deleted and the amount of EIGHT MILLION FIVE HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND

DOLLARS ($8,550,000) is hereby inserted in its place.

(d)

Sections 4 through 8 of the Original Resolution are hereby ratified, confirmed,

adopted and incorporated into this resolution.

(e)

This resolution shall become effective after approval at referendum vote.

(f) If the above Sections (a) through (e) are enacted, the Amended Resolution will read

in its entirety as follows:

“RESOLUTION APPROPRIATING $8,550,000 FOR VARIOUS SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT

PROJECTS; AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUE OF BONDS AND NOTES IN THE SAME

AMOUNT TO FINANCE SAID APPROPRIATION”

RESOLVED,

1. That the Town of Ledyard appropriate EIGHT MILLION FIVE HUNDRED FIFTY

THOUSAND DOLLARS ($8,550,000) for various school improvement projects, including:

replacement of the roofs at the Central Office, Gales Ferry School, and Juliet W. Long School;

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

building management systems at Gales Ferry School; and electrical and HVAC upgrades at Juliet W.

Long School. The appropriation may be spent for design, engineering and construction costs,

equipment, materials, legal fees, net interest on borrowings and other financing costs, and other

expenses related to the project or its financing. The Permanent Municipal Building Committee shall

be the School Building Committee for the project and is authorized to determine the scope and

particulars of the project. The Permanent Municipal Building Committee may reduce or modify the

scope of the project, and the entire appropriation may be spent on the project as so reduced or

modified.

2. That the Town issue bonds or notes or obligations in an amount not to EIGHT

MILLION FIVE HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($8,550,000) to finance the

appropriation for the project. The amount of bonds or notes or obligations authorized to be issued

shall be reduced by the amount of grants received by the Town for the project. The bonds or notes

or obligations shall be issued pursuant to Sections 7-369 and 10-289 of the General Statutes of

Connecticut, Revision of 1958, as amended, and any other enabling acts. The bonds or notes or

obligations shall be general obligations of the Town secured by the irrevocable pledge of the full

faith and credit of the Town.

3. That the Town issue and renew temporary notes or interim funding obligations from

time to time in anticipation of the receipt of the proceeds from the sale of the bonds or notes or

obligations for the project or the receipt of grants for the project. The amount of the notes or

obligations outstanding at any time shall not exceed EIGHT MILLION FIVE HUNDRED FIFTY

THOUSAND DOLLARS ($8,550,000). The notes or obligations shall be issued pursuant to

Sections 7-378 and 10-289a of the General Statutes of Connecticut, Revision of 1958, as amended.

The notes or obligations shall be general obligations of the Town and shall be secured by the

irrevocable pledge of the full faith and credit of the Town. The Town shall comply with the

provisions of Section 7-378a of the General Statutes with respect to any notes or obligations that do

not mature within the time permitted by said Section 7-378.

4. That the Mayor, the Director of Finance and the Treasurer, or any two of them, of the

Town shall sign any bonds or notes or obligations by their manual or facsimile signatures. The

Treasurer shall keep a record of the bonds or notes. The law firm of Pullman & Comley, LLC is

designated as bond counsel to approve the legality of the bonds or notes or obligations. The Mayor,

the Director of Finance and the Treasurer, or any two of them, are authorized to determine the

amounts, dates, interest rates, maturities, redemption provisions, form and other details of the bonds

or notes or obligations; to designate one or more banks or trust companies to be certifying bank,

registrar, transfer agent and paying agent for the bonds or notes or obligations; to provide for the

keeping of a record of the bonds or notes or obligations; to designate a financial advisor to the Town

in connection with the sale of the bonds or notes; to sell the bonds or notes or obligations at public

or private sale; to deliver the bonds or notes or obligations; and to perform all other acts which are

necessary or appropriate to issue the bonds or notes or obligations.

5. That the Town hereby declares its official intent under Federal Income Tax Regulation

Section 1.150-2 and, if applicable, pursuant to Section 54A(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,

as amended, that project costs may be paid from temporary advances of available funds and that

(except to the extent reimbursed from grant moneys) the Town reasonably expects to reimburse any

such advances from the proceeds of borrowings, including qualified tax credit bonds, in an aggregate

principal amount not in excess of the amount of borrowing authorized above for the project. The

Mayor, the Director of Finance and the Treasurer, or any two of them, are authorized to amend such

declaration of official intent as they deem necessary or advisable and to bind the Town pursuant to

such representations and covenants as they deem necessary or advisable in order to maintain the

continued exemption from federal income taxation of interest on the bonds or notes or obligations

authorized by this resolution, if issued on a tax-exempt basis, including covenants to pay rebates of

investment earnings to the United States in future years.

6. That the Mayor, the Director of Finance and the Treasurer, or any two of them, are

authorized to make representations and enter into written agreements for the benefit of holders of the

bonds or notes or obligations to provide secondary market disclosure information, which agreements

may include such terms as they deem advisable or appropriate in order to comply with applicable

laws or rules pertaining to the sale or purchase of such bonds or notes or obligations.

7. That Building Committee for the project is vested with the following powers and duties:

(i) to approve design and construction expenditures for the project; (ii) to recommend to the Mayor

the execution of any contract with architects, engineers, contractors and others in the name and on

behalf of the Town to complete the project; and (iii) to exercise such other powers as are necessary

or appropriate to complete the project. Committee members shall not receive any compensation for

their services. Necessary expenses of the Committee shall be included in the cost of the project.

The records of the Committee shall be filed with the Town Clerk and open to public inspection

during normal business hours. Upon completion of the project, the Committee shall make a

complete report and accounting to the Mayor, the Director of Finance, the Treasurer, the Town

Council, the Board of Education and the Town.

8. That the Board of Education is authorized to apply for and accept state grants for the

project. The Board of Education is authorized to file applications with the State Board of Education,

to execute grant agreements for the project, and to file such documents as may be required by the

State Board of Education to obtain grants for the costs of financing the project. Any grant proceeds

may be used to pay project costs or principal and interest on bonds, notes or temporary notes.

9. That the Mayor, the Director of Finance, the Treasurer, the Board of Education, the

Building Committee for the project, and other proper officers of the Town are authorized to take all

other action which is necessary or desirable to complete the project and to issue bonds, notes or

other obligations to finance the aforesaid appropriation.

Appr ove d

t he

Le dya r d

T own

C o u n c i l

o n :

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

__________________________

Kevin J. Dombrowski, Chairman

Moved by Councilor Saums, seconded by Councilor Ingalls

Discussion: Councilor Saums provided some background explaining at the February 22,

2022 Referendum the townspeople approved a “Resolution Appropriating and Authorizing

the Issuance of Bonds in the amount of $6,725,000 for Various School Improvement

Projects”, that included the following: the 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 electrical and HVAC upgrades at Juliet W. Long School,

which was designed as a split system.

Councilor Saums went on to explain to meet the State’s requirements to receive Grant

Funding for the Juliet W. Long School HVAC upgrades that the system had to be redesigned

as a full air conditioning system with outdoor CO2 monitoring, outdoor intake, and a

Building Maintenance System (BMS) which was the same type of system that was installed

at the Gallup Hill School and Middle School, opposed to the original proposed HVAC

system for the Juliet W. Long School that was initially submitted in 2022, which was split

system that recirculated the existing air inside the building. He stated installing an air

condition system that used outside air would help to prevent to the spread of illness such as

the recent Covid 19 Pandemic, opposed to the former split system that recirculated the air

within a building and caused CO2 levels to rise causing the kids in school get sleepy, which

was not good for learning.

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

School would cost $1,825,000 more than the amount that was included in the original

$6,725,000 authorization (previously approved in 2022); that the Resolution Appropriating

and Authorizing the Issuance of Bonds needed to be updated to include an

additional/supplemental authorization in the amount of $1,825,000 bringing the total funding

authorization to $8,550,000 for these Various School Improvement Projects. He stated that

this process would also require the town to go back to a Referendum to obtain the

townspeople approval to proceed with increasing the dollar amount.

Councilor Saums explained although the town would receive Grant Reimbursement from the

State in the amount of 62% of the $8,550,000 total project(s) cost that the Town was

required to obtain authorization to bond the full amount of the project(s) cost. He stated the

town’s share of the additional 1,825,000 for the redesigned HVAC system for the Juliet W.

Long School would be about $400,000.

Councilor Saums concluded by explaining the reason this request to increase the Bond

Authorization has come forward quickly was because the State notified Municipalities that

they would reopen the Grant Application Process for the redesigned HVAC Systems. He

noted the Grant Application Process was typically open for a 30-60-day period and there was

a significant amount of work that needed to be completed to submit the Grant Application.

He stated there was no guarantee that the State would approve Ledyard’s Grant Application

for the redesigned HVAC system for the Juliet W. Long School.

VOTE: 9 - 0 Approved and so declared

A motion was made by Councilor Saums, seconded by Councilor Ingalls, that this be Approved

and so declared. The motion carried by the following vote:

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Bill Saums

RESULT:

MOVER:

Andra Ingalls

SECONDER:

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

Ryan, and Irwin

AYE:

MOTION to approve “Council Resolutions Approving Bond Resolutions And Calling Town

Meeting” to be held in a Hybrid Format (In-Person and Video Conference) on Tuesday, October

10, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 741 Colonel Ledyard Highway, in the Town of

Ledyard, to consider said Resolution; and to Adjourn to Referendum on the voting machines at

the Town Hall Annex Building, 741 Colonel Ledyard Highway, on Tuesday, October 17, 2023

between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. under the following heading:

“SHALL THE TOWN OF LEDYARD APPROPRIATE AN ADDITIONAL $1,825,000

(INCREASING THE APPROPRIATION AND BORROWING AUTHORIZATION TO AN

AGGREGATE $8,550,000) FOR VARIOUS SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS, AND

AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS AND NOTES IN THE SAME AMOUNT TO

FINANCE THE APPROPRIATION?”

Res: 003-2023/SEP 13 (b)

TOWN COUNCIL RESOLUTIONS

APPROVING BOND RESOLUTIONS AND

CALLING TOWN MEETING

RESOLVED,

That the resolution entitled “RESOLUTION AMENDING THE RESOLUTION ENTITLED

“RESOLUTION APPROPRIATING $6,725,000 FOR VARIOUS SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT

PROJECTS; AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUE OF BONDS AND NOTES IN THE SAME

AMOUNT TO FINANCE SAID APPROPRIATION” TO INCREASE THE

APPROPRIATION AND BORROWING AUTHORIZATION TO $8,550,000” is hereby

approved and a copy of said resolution shall be attached to and incorporated into these minutes.

FURTHER RESOLVED,

That the Ledyard Town Council recommends that a town meeting, adjourned to referendum,

adopt the above resolution entitled “RESOLUTION AMENDING THE RESOLUTION

ENTITLED “RESOLUTION APPROPRIATING $6,725,000 FOR VARIOUS SCHOOL

IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS; AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUE OF BONDS AND NOTES

IN THE SAME AMOUNT TO FINANCE SAID APPROPRIATION” TO INCREASE THE

APPROPRIATION AND BORROWING AUTHORIZATION TO $8,550,000” in accordance

with Chapter VII, Sections 7 and 12 of the Town Charter.

FURTHER RESOLVED,

That the Chairman of the Town Council is authorized to call a hybrid (In-Person & Video

Conference) Special Town Meeting to be held on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. in the

Council Chambers, 741 Colonel Ledyard Highway, in the Town of Ledyard to consider said

Resolution.

FURTHER RESOLVED,

That the Town Council, pursuant to Section 14 of Chapter III and Section 9 of Chapter VII of the

Town Charter, hereby designates for submission to the voters at referendum to be held on Tuesday,

October 17, 2023 between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at the Town Hall Annex Building,

741 Colonel Ledyard Highway in the Town of Ledyard, in the manner provided by said Sections,

action on the aforesaid Resolution to be presented to said Special Town Meeting, and directs the

Town Clerk to give notice of such referendum vote.

FURTHER RESOLVED,

That the Chairman of the Town Council cause notice of the time, place and purpose of said

Special Town Meeting and Referendum to be posted and published in accordance with the

provisions of the Town Charter.

FURTHER RESOLVED,

That the aforesaid Resolution shall be placed upon the ballot under the following heading:

“SHALL THE TOWN OF LEDYARD APPROPRIATE AN ADDITIONAL $1,825,000

(INCREASING THE APPROPRIATION AND BORROWING AUTHORIZATION TO

AN AGGREGATE $8,550,000) FOR VARIOUS SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT

PROJECTS, AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS AND NOTES IN

THE SAME AMOUNT TO FINANCE THE APPROPRIATION?”

Voters approving the Resolution will vote “Yes” and those opposing the Resolution shall

vote “No”. Voting will be held at the usual polling places in the Town. Absentee ballots will be

available from the Town Clerk’s office.

District One: Town Hall Annex Building

District Two: Town Hall Annex Building

District Three: Town Hall Annex Building

Persons qualified to vote in Town Meetings who are not electors shall vote in-person at

Town Hall Annex Building with District One

Absentee ballots will be available from the Town Clerk’s Office.

Approved by the Town Council on: ____________

_________________________

Kevin J. Dombrowski, Chairman

Moved by Councilor Saums, seconded by Councilor Ingalls

Discussion: Councilor Saums noted the background he provided regarding the need to

increase the Resolution Appropriating and Authorizing the Issues of Bonds noted in Item 6

(see above) this evening. He went on to explain in accordance with Chapter VII, Section 9 of

the Town Charter a Special Town Meeting that adjourned to a vote on the voting machines

was required noting the following:

“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 Saums stated these Resolutions were setting the date of the Special Town Meeting

to be on October 10, 2023; which would adjourn a Referendum on the voting machines on

October 17, 2023. He stated the voting location for all polling districts would be at the Town

Hall Annex Building.

Councilor Ingalls noted the “Referendum Question” and she stated that it did not clearly state

that the cost increase was to provide for the redesigned HVAC system at the Juliet W. Long

School. She stated that this could be confusing for the residents.

Administrative Assistant Roxanne Maher explained that Bond Council provided the

“Referendum Question” and that the original project that was presented to the townspeople

at the February 22, 20233 Referendum was titled “Various School Improvement Projects”.

She stated the Various School Improvement Projects included the following: the 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 electrical and HVAC

upgrades at Juliet W. Long School. She also explained the Legal Notice that would be

published in the newspaper would clearly state; “To consider and discuss and vote upon a

resolution adopted by the Town Council on September 13, 2023, to amend the resolution

approved by voters on February 22, 2022 increasing the appropriation and borrowing

authorization by an additional $1,825,000 (thereby increasing the appropriation and

borrowing authorization to an aggregate $8,550,000) for various school improvement

projects, including: replacement of the roofs at the Central Office, Gales Ferry School, and

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

Long School; upgrades to the building management systems at Gales Ferry School; and

electrical and HVAC upgrades at Juliet W. Long School”. She suggested during the Special

Town Meeting scheduled on October 10, 2023 that the presentation clearly explain that the

additional cost and the need to increase the original authorization was to provide for the

redesigned HVAC system at the Juliet W. Long School.

Mayor Allyn, III, explained if the townspeople approve the additional $1,825,000 funding,

but the State does not approve the Town’s Grant Application, that the town would not spend

the additional $1,825,000.

VOTE: 9 - 0 Approved and so declared

A motion was made by Councilor Saums, seconded by Councilor Ingalls, that this be Approved

and so declared. The motion carried by the following vote:

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

RESULT:

Bill Saums

MOVER:

Andra Ingalls

SECONDER:

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

Ryan, and Irwin

AYE:

MOTION to authorize the Mayor to issue a “Letter of Commitment” to the Avalonia Land

Conservancy in response to their request of $50,000 and $100,000 from Account

#21090305-58920 (Acquisition of Open Space in the CNR Fund) for the acquisition of the

following two parcels to be protected and utilized as open space to be payable to Avalonia Land

Conservancy at the time of the closing:

(1) 154 Stoddard’s Wharf Road, Ledyard 35.95 acres ($50,000)

(2) 148 Stoddard’s Wharf Road, Ledyard 223.47 acres ($100,000)

Moved by Councilor Saums, seconded by Councilor Ingalls

Discussion: Councilor Saums stated the Town was not buying 259.42 acres of land for

$150,000. He explained that the Town was committing to use funding from the Open Space

Fund to help support the purchase of these two parcels thru a Public-Private-Partnership

(PPP); should they be successful in securing funding thru the Open Space and Watershed

Land Acquisition (OSWA) Grant Program, which provided financial assistance to

municipalities and nonprofit land conservation organizations and water companies to acquire

land for open space.

Councilor Saums explained in accordance with Ordinance #200-009 “An Ordinance

Providing for the Transfer of Certain Revenue from the Real Estate Conveyance Tax to

Specific Town of Ledyard Funds” the town sets aside twenty percent (20%) from the real

estate conveyance tax into various Capital and Non-Recurring Funds, namely Parks &

Recreation and Public Works; as well as the Open Space Fund, to be used for the acquisition

of Open Space.

Councilor Saums went on to explain that Avalonia Land Conservancy would own the

properties and have invited the Ledyard and Groton Utilities to participate in the preservation

of these properties through a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP). He stated these two parcels

abut one another, and that 148 Stoddard’s Wharf Road abutted the head of the Groton

Reservoir system, which was the reason Groton Utilities was interested in preserving these

properties as open space noting that it was an excellent way to protect it from future

development and from potential runoff into our water supply that both Groton and Ledyard

use. He stated these properties were a huge parcel and had the potential to extend the

Tri-Town Trail (Bluff Point to Preston Plains Park) from its current termination at the

southern end of the Clark Farm. He stated although there were a couple of other properties

that have not been resolved yet, that preserving these two parcels as open space could help to

bring the Tri-Town Trail to Route 214 and possibly further. He noted the Tri-Town Trail

has been a project for the last 17-years.

Mayor Allyn stated the Open Space Account had a current balance of $383,788.33 with no

open commitments at this time.

VOTE: 9 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Bill Saums

RESULT:

MOVER:

Andra Ingalls

SECONDER:

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

Ryan, and Irwin

AYE:

MOTION to approve two tax refunds in the combined total amount of $7,470.50 with each

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

Annie Becerra $4,910.98

Mary Hooper $2,559.52

Moved by Councilor Saums, seconded by Councilor Ingalls

Discussion: Councilor Saum explained in accordance with policies established for the Tax

Collection Department, refunds to taxpayers exceeding $2,400 are to be approved by the

Town Council. He stated in both cases there was a double payment of the taxes, which

typically caused by both the lender who holds funding in escrow to pay the taxes, and the

homeowner paying the taxes. He stated when the Tax Collector finds a double payment that

they notify the property owner. He stated all the paperwork was in order to issue these two

tax refunds.

VOTE: 9 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Bill Saums

RESULT:

MOVER:

Andra Ingalls

SECONDER:

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

Ryan, and Irwin

AYE:

General Business

Discuss Work Session Items as time permits.

None.

10.

XV. ADJOURNMENT

Councilor Rodriguez moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilor Paul

VOTE: 9 - 0 Approved and so declared. The meeting adjourned at 8:17 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 September 13, 2023.