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 27, 2023

7:00 PM

Town Hall Council Chambers

In-Person: Council Chambers Town Hall Annex

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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 Whit Irwin

Councilor Tim Ryan

Absent:

IV.

PRESENTATIONS

None.

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

MINUTES

Ms. Ginina Diaz, 1546 Route 12, Gales Ferry, thanked Councilors Rodriguez, Marshall,

Saums and Paul for the productive dialogue during the Community Relations Committee

September 20, 2023 meeting. She stated as Councilor Marshall noted they have identified

the problem. Ms. Diaz stated that it was her hope that these types of conversations could

continue to happen, noting that maybe they could find some solutions for their

community. She stated the solution that she offered in her September 21, 2023 email;

combined with Councilor Paul’s suggestion, which was to hold all meetings at the Town

Hall Annex, noting that it would solve the following two issues: (1) Concerns of some

residents regarding speaking on public record; and (2) For the safety of our senior

citizens and disabled residents. She stated with the increase of residents comments and

concerns at multiple Board and Committee meetings in recent months that she would ask

the Community Relations Committee consider holding an open meeting where residents

could address their various concerns. She stated when residents were felt heard and or

validated that it helped them to feel that the issues they were concerned about mattered.

She stated that this could potentially be the first step to creating a transparent and

productive relationship for our community. She stated lately the frustrations among

residents were not Board specific; noting that residents had increased concerns overall.

She stated what they seemed to have in common was a lack of transparency and

accountability, the behavior of some who hold positions of power, favoritism, and the

seeming lack of concern for the safety of our senior citizens and our youth. She stated

with elections approaching that she would ask the Board what was important to them.

She stated if these issues were directly affecting their children or their loved ones, how

would they feel. She questioned what they could do to work together for the best interest

of everyone in our community. Thank you.

Chairman Dombrowski thanked Ms. Diaz for her comments.

Ms. Sheri Fernandez, 60 Kings Highway, Gales Ferry, stated tonight she hoped to get an

answer to the question that she the Town Council at their September 13, 2023 meeting,

which was: “If by their own admission, the Housing Authority did not own the Kings

Corner Senior Citizens Housing Facility, then what authority did they have to prohibit

smoking”. She stated the Connecticut.Gov website stated: “There were no federal or

state laws preventing owners or landlords from banning smoking and vaping on the

property”. She went on to note that the Marium Webster Dictionary defined “Landlord”

as “The owner of property, land, houses, apartments, etc.” Ms. Fernandez went on to

state at the Housing Authority’s September 5, 2023 meeting that Board Member Paula

Crocker told them that when the tenants were off-site that they need to dispose of their

cigarette butts and debris appropriately. Ms. Fernandez stated now the Kings Corner

Senior Citizens Housing tenants were not only being told what they could do on-site, the

tenants were being told what they could do off-site. She stated to her the word

“megalomaniacs” a was a fitting description for the Board Members.

Ms. Fernandez continued by stating in addition to all of this that she has been approached

by a Ledyard Police Officers two more times during the last two-weeks. She stated the

second time she was approached, that while she was retrieving her identification card

from her wallet, that she heard over the Police Officer’s radio that “to be advised that

Sheri Fernandes has left the residence.” She stated later that day she went to the

Ledyard Police Department to find out how and why the Police know when she comes

and goes from her residence. She stated that she was treated rudely and abruptly. She

stated that this has gone far beyond a safe place to smoke, it has gone far beyond the

unwillingness of people to compromise, noting that it has now become illegal and a

violation of her civil rights. She stated if this Town and the Ledyard Police think that she

was going to be intimidated or that she was going to go quietly into the night that they

were sorely mistaken. She stated the Oxford Dictionary defined the word “Justice” as “ A

concern for justice, peace and genuine respect for people”. She sated at the start of each

Town Council meeting that Chairman Dombrowski asks them to say the Pledge of

Allegiance, and she noted the last five words were “with liberty and justice for all”. She

concluded by commenting that she wondered if these were words that they just say of if

they really mean them.

Chairman Dombrowski thanked Ms. Fernandez for her comments.

Ms. Gay Sonn, 60 Kings Highway, Gales Ferry, began by stating that that she wanted to

apologize if her voice raises, noting that she was profoundly deaf, or that it appeaed that

she was steering at the Town Council, noting that she was going completely blind, stating

in her job as a teacher that she was assaulted by a student.

Ms. Sonn went on to state that she looked up the definition of what this Town Council

was supposed to do in this town noting that it said “To serve as the Legislative and

Financial Body of this community, pursuant to the Town Charter, for the residents and

taxpayers of the Town of Ledyard”. Ms. Sonn stated that she may not pay property tax,

but that her daughter and son-in-law do, noting that they lived about a half mile down the

road. She stated that she has paid car taxes every year that she has lived here. She stated

as a Teacher she literally has given her eyes and ears trying to protect their children in a

school building from a child who came in with a gun, when she was an Assistant

Principal. She stated when she asked who oversees what goes on where she lived that she

was told that the Mayor and the Town Council had nothing to do with the Ledyard Senior

Housing. She questioned whether they were supposed to dry up and go away, noting that

they pay taxes. She stated that she remembered a party that said “No taxation without

representation”; but members of the this Board had nothing to do with the Senior

Housing. She stated they needed representation to feel included in this town, to have

their rights protected, and to feel that they were not yet dead, noting that many of them

feel forgotten and ignored where they lived. She stated it was a sad place to go. She

stated that they all hear about the “Golden Years”; but many of us have not been told

about the Rust.

Chairman Dombrowski thanked Ms. Sonn for her comments.

Mr. Mike Cherry, 5 Whippoorwill Drive, Gales Ferry, stated he has talked to the Town

Council many times about the United Way Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed

(ALICE) Report. He stated the New London Day newspaper published a report this week

that showed for a family of four living in our area that they needed to be earning $126,000

a year just to break even, noting that this income would not be enough to have any

savings, not be enough to be able to do; or fix anything. He stated this would require two

full-time jobs earning $30.00 per hour. He stated minimum wage in Connecticut was

about $15.00 per hour, noting to earn $126,000 a year would require four minimum wage

jobs. He stated the Planning & Zoning Commission has adopted an Affordable Housing

Plan, and he asked that as they go through the year that they need to pay attention to the

ALICE Report and do what they could to bring the cost of housing down in Ledyard. He

stated it was hard for most people to live in Ledyard and live on the margin. He stated

asked they moved forward that they be aware of the young couple with two children, or

the senior citizens who were trying to get by on $15,000 - $20,000 Social Security and a

pension that was inadequate. He stated the ALICE Report was available on-line.

VI.

COMMITTEE COMMISSION AND BOARD REPORTS

None.

VII. COMMENTS OF TOWN COUNCILORS

Councilor Paul stated with the colder weather approaching that he wanted to mention that

the Thames Valley Council for Community Action (TVCCA) was currently accepting

applications for their Energy Assistance. He stated folks could apply on-line noting that

fuel deliveries would begin November 1, 2023.

Councilor Paul continued by stating the World Mental Health Day was October 10, 2023,

noting that this year’s theme was “Mental Health Was a Universal Right”. He stated the

purpose of this Organization was to raise awareness and to drive positive change for

mental health.

Councilor Saums thanked the members of the Farmers’ Market Committee for their work

to facilitate another great Farmers’ Market Season. He stated they only had one

cancellation due to weather. He stated the last Market was held on September 20, 2023

noting that it was packed and the parking lot was full, noting they do a great job!

Chairman Dombrowski stated in response to the resident’s question about who owned

the Kings Corner Manor Senior Citizens Housing Facility that in looking at the

Assessor’s Card on the Geographic Information System (GIS) the property was owned

by the Housing Authority.

VIII. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION to approve the following:

Public Hearing Minutes of September 13, 2023

Regular Meeting Minutes of September 13, 2023 (as filed)

Moved by Councilor Marshall, seconded by Councilor Rodriguez

VOTE: 8 - 0 Approved and so declared

IX.

COMMUNICATIONS

Communications List - September 27, 2023

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

portal for tonight’s meeting and he noted the referral listed.

REFERALS

XI.

COUNCIL SUB COMMITTEE, LIAISON REPORTS

Administration Committee

Councilor Ingalls stated although the Administration Committee has not met since the last

Town Council meeting that they had several reappointments and one new appointment on

tonight’s Agenda.

RESULT:

Community Relations Committee

Councilor Paul stated the Community Relations Committee met on September 20, 2023, noting

that some of the residents who spoke earlier this evening about the Kings Corner Manor Senior

Housing Facility, also attended the Community Relations Committee meeting, and he thanked

those who attended. He stated the topic was to help foster a dialogue to improve the relationship

at the Housing Facility. He stated the main points discussed at their meeting were:

Smoking Policy - Councilor Paul stated there were a lot of comments regarding the smoking

issue and he stated this authority was in the hands of the Housing Authority.

Housing Authority’s Meetings - Councilor Paul noted that they discussed recording the

meetings.

Maintenance and Renovation Work - Councilor Paul stated the renovation work was

on-going and weather permitting the work was expected to be completed by the end of

November, 2023. Councilor Paul noted there was some concern regarding the ramps

being inadequate. He stated as part of the renovation work that the ramps would be fixed.

Communication - Councilor Paul stated questions were raised about where the tenants

could express grievances and to get some help. He stated although it was hard to find that

there was a process through the State Housing Authority.

Distinguished Roles - Councilor Paul stated the Executive Director worked under the

direction of the Housing Authority.

Councilor Paul stated although they were not able to resolve the issues that were raised

concerning the Kings Corner Manor Senior Housing Facility that he hoped that their

discussion would be a start, and that it would help to foster some dialogue.

Councilor Paul continued his report noting as Councilor Saums’ mentioned earlier this

evening, the September 13, 2023 “Hometown Heros” Farmers’ Market was cancelled due to

weather. He stated the Community Relations Committee had planned to participate at the

event to thank and to bring awareness to the work and dedication of our First Responders

(Fire Departments and Police Department) as well as the over 200 community volunteers who

serve on the Town’s Committees/Commissions/Boards. He stated that he was thankful for the

people who were willing to participate in the event, noting that it was unfortunate that the

weather did not cooperate.

Councilor Rodriguez noted the Community Relations Committee’s discussion to foster a

dialogue between the Kings Corner Manor Senior Citizens Housing Facility tenants and the

Housing Authority; and she questioned what was going to happen next. Councilor Paul stated

the Community Relations Committee’s were open to the public. He also noted that during

their September 20, 2023 meeting they also discussed moving the Housing Authority’s

meetings to a town facility, where the meetings could be recorded, noting that some of the

tenants felt that there was not enough accountability at the Housing Authority’s meetings.

However, he stated the Housing Authority would make the decision regarding the location of

their meetings. Councilor Rodriguez requested clarification, stating that Kings Corner Manor

Senior Citizens Housing Facility was still an open discussion. Councilor Paul responded

“Yes”.

RESULT:

Finance Committee

Councilor Saums stated the Finance Committee met on September 20, 2023 and he noted

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

(1) Annual Audit Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2023 - Councilor Saums stated that Finance

Director Matthew Bonin reported that Auditors CliftonLarsonAllen LLP would be on-site

at the Town Hall on October 2, 2023 to conduct their work on the Annual Audit for Fiscal

Year Ending June 30, 2023; (2) American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding/Projects -

Councilor Saums stated the Committee reviewed and discussed the most recent ARPA

project status spreadsheet, and commented on how well the Mayor and the Finance

Director were keeping abreast of current expenditures. He stated the Town must have all

funds obligated (interpreted to mean under contract) by December 31, 2024, or forfeit the

funds. He stated there was roughly $250,000 of Undesignated ARPA Funding that may be

needed for the Ledyard Center Sewer Line Extension Project Phase I once the project bids

come in, since the original estimates for the design and permitting work were received so

long ago; (3) Nip Bottle Surcharge Revenues received from Public Act No.21-58 “An Act

Concerning Solid Waste Management” - Councilor Saums stated the Committee

continued to discuss ways to invest the revenues received from the Solid Waste (nip)

Surcharge Reimbursement Program and agreed to use the Town of Montville’s program

as a template for a similar program in Ledyard. He stated the Program would encourage

non-profit organizations to adopt roads to collect nip bottles and clean-up trash. He went

on to note that the Ledyard Beautification Committee has also expressed a willingness to

help serve as a clearinghouse for the non-profit organizations. He stated the actual

collection can begin once the roadside vegetation has been mowed for the year and the

foliage has died back after the frost; (4) National Opioid Settlement Funding - Councilor

Saums stated the Committee continued to discuss Ledge Light Health District- Ledyard

Prevention Coalition’s proposal to address opioid use disorder, prevention, intervention,

treatment, and recovery options for the use the opioid funding that Ledyard has received.

He stated the Committee made some modifications to the proposal and forwarded a

recommendation to accept the revised proposal to the Town Council for their

consideration/action later this evening.

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:

Water Pollution Control Authority

Councilor Saums stated the WPCA met on September 26, 2023 and addressed the following:

(1) Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Levels - The WPCA reviewed the Third Quarter Testing

Results for TTHMs for Ledyard Center, which stated that the Running Annual Average

remained to be in compliance. Flushing would continue through October, until reduced

water temperatures decrease the production of THMs in both water systems; (2)

Holmberg Water Tank Inspection - The WPCA reviewed, discussed, voted on, then

reconsidered, and tabled a motion to award a contract for the Holmberg Tank inspection

to a vendor until a separate proposal could be received, because the quote was part of a

larger proposal they were not ready to move forward with; (3) Cost of Service Study

(COSS) - The WPCA continued discussing the Cost Of Service Study for Ledyard that

was offered by Groton Utilities, as well the larger topic of the sale of Ledyard’s Water

and Sewer Systems to Groton Utilities. The WPCA decided to request assistance from

the Finance Department with regard to answering questions about whether their Capital

Budget or their Operating Expense Budget could be used as a source of funds for the

COSS; noting the Study was not included in their Capital Plan, and there was no money

in this year’s Expense Budget for the COSS. The WPCA was prepared to resubmit the

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

however, there was some thought that the COSS should be conducted while Groton

Utilities was doing their own study; (4) Engineering Services for Multi-Model Use

Pathway and Ledyard Cener Sewer Line Extension Project - The WPCA voted on an

amendment with corrections to the contract between Weston & Sampson and the Town

for the firm to add bid engineering services for the Multi-Model Use Pathway and

Ledyard Cener Sewer Line Extension Project.

RESULT:

Gales Ferry Fire Department

Councilor Marshall stated the Gales Ferry Fire Department was putting together a

Committee to begin the process to replace their F550 Brush Truck, which was nearing the

end of its useful life. He noted that he suggested they list the Brush Truck on the

GovDeals.com website site to sell the truck, noting that the town has had success in selling

other trucks and equipment using the on-line auction site. Councilor Saums questioned

whether the replacement of the Brush Truck was included in the Capital Improvement Plan

(CIP). Councilor Marshall stated the Fire Department was just starting the process and that

he believed that the Truck was included in the Apparatus Replacement Schedule. Chairman

Dombrowski asked Councilor Marshall to check with the Gales Ferry Fire Department to

verify that the Brush Truck was included in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to be sure

they were following the correct process.

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

Councilor Rodriguez stated the newly combined Commission held their first Regular

Meeting on September 19, 2023 noting that they had a lengthy Agenda and they were not

able to get to all of the items due to time constraints. She stated one of the items the

Commission discussed was the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding for Senior

Citizen Centers. She stated the Commission has asked for public input and suggestions

on-line regarding how they would like to see the funding be used. She stated the

comments they have received included a Peloton Bike, Exercise Room, Incumbent Bike,

etc.

Councilor Ingalls questioned whether there was specific American Rescue Plan Act

(ARPA) Funding for Senior Citizen Centers. Director of Parks, Recreation, & Senior

Citizens Scott Johnson, Jr., responded stating that this American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

Funding for Senior Citizen Centers was being allocated per town based on a specific

formula that included population and other data. He stated the Ledyard Senior Citizens

Center would be receiving about $29,000. He stated the funding could only be used by

Senior Citizens Centers.

Councilor Saums stated the Town allocated some of its ARPA Funding to install the

automated doors for the bathrooms at the Senior Citizens Center. Therefore, he questioned

whether the ARPA Funding for the Senior Citizens Centers was on a different time

schedule. Mr. Johnson stated although the deadline to obligate and spend the funding was

the same, that the website just went live a week ago.

Chairman Dombrowski stated that Grant Applications needed to come thru the Town

Council. Mr. Johnson stated currently they do not have a plan on how to use the American

Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding for Senior Citizen Center, noting that once they have a

plan for the use of the funding that they would forward it to the Town Council.

RESULT:

XII. REPORT OF THE MAYOR

REPORT OF THE MAYOR:

XII.

Mayor Allyn, III, was not present.

XIII. OLD BUSINESS

XIV. NEW BUSINESS

CONSENT CALENDAR

MOTION to reappoint the following members to the Agricultural Commission for a three-year

term ending September 24, 2026:

*1.

*2.

*3.

Mr. Russel Holmberg (U) 12 Orchard Lane, Gales Ferry (Regular Member)

Mr. Bruce Garstka (R) 10 Pleasant View, Ledyard (Regular Member)

Mr. William Thorne (R) 3 Adios Lane, Ledyard (Alternate Member)

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

RESULT:

MOTION to reappoint the following members to the Inland Wetland and Water Courses

Commission for a two-year term ending October 31, 2025:

Mr. Paul Maugle (R) 827 Colonel Ledyard Highway, Ledyard (Regular Member)

Mr. Justin DeBrodt (U) 5 Erins Way, Ledyard (Regular Member)

Mr. Gary St. Vil (D) 2 Thompson Street, Ledyard (Alternate Member)

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

RESULT:

MOTION reappoint members to the Planning & Zoning Commission for a three-year term as

follows:

Mr. Gary St. Vil (D) 2 Thompson Street, Ledyard (Regular Member) term ending October 31,

2026

Mr. Paul Whitescarver (R) 6 Stoddards View. Gale Ferry (Regular Member) term ending

October 31, 2026

Ms. Jessica Cobb (D) 7 Whippoorwill Drive, Gales Ferry (Alternate Member) term ending

December 31, 2026

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

RESULT:

VOTE on Consent Calendar

Moved by Councilor Marshall, seconded by Councilor Saums

VOTE: 8 - 0 Approved and so declared

This was Approved and so declared.

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

John Marshall

RESULT:

MOVER:

Bill Saums

SECONDER:

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

Irwin

AYE:

Ryan

ABSENT:

Administration Committee

MOTION to appoint Ms. Sarah Martic (R) 59R Long Pond Road, Ledyard, to the Ledyard

Beautification Committee to complete a three-year term ending October 26, 2026 filling a

vacancy left by Ms. Levandoski.

Moved by Councilor Ingalls, seconded by Councilor Irwin

Discussion: Councilor Ingalls stated Ms. Martic has been an active member in the community,

noting that she was currently serving on the Farmers’ Market and was also a participating vendor

at the Market. She went on to note that Ms. Martic indicated that she was interested in getting

more involved in the community.

VOTE: 8 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Andra Ingalls

RESULT:

MOVER:

Whit Irwin

SECONDER:

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

Irwin

AYE:

Ryan

ABSENT:

Finance Committee

MOTION to recommend the townspeople appropriate up-to $16,082.00 from CNR Account

#20360101-53335 (Parks and Recreation Capital Non-Recurring Fund - Site Improvement) for

the Pfizer Field Improvement Project.

In addition, set a Hybird Format (In-Person and Remote) Special Town Meeting date for October

10, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. to be held in the Council Chamber, Annex Building to consider, discuss

and vote upon the following:

"Shall the Town appropriate up-to $16,082.00 from CNR Account #20360101-53335 (Parks and

Recreation Capital Non-Recurring Fund - Site Improvement) for the Pfizer Field Improvement

Project”.

Moved by Councilor Saums, seconded by Councilor Ingalls

Discussion: Councilor Saums stated a unique opportunity has presented itself to fix a number of

problems at the Pfizer Field (Babe Ruth Senior Division Field) which included both

Improvement and Safety Issues as follows:

· Improvements:

1. Bring loam in to level and hydro seed a large indent located in right field.

2. Bring in red clay and sod to level the infield and eliminate any elevation change

“lips”. The transition from infield to turf should be flat.

3. Additional seed to increase the overseed rate. Overseeding was part of the turf

management contract, and the additional seed would allow then to seed at a higher

pound per square foot than what was included under the contract.

4. The full field closure would allow them to establish new turf and fill in bare spots.

· Safety/ Liability Concerns:

1. Elevation/grade changes on a baseball field are a tripping hazard and can lead to

sprained/rolled ankles.

2. The ball interacts differently with uneven turf causing the ball to change direction

suddenly or cause a ground ball to become airborne.

Councilor Saums went on to explain the reason this was a unique opportunity was because during

the grass growing season the Pfizer Fields were in constant use. He stated to get this work done

required a lot of coordination, which included having to move everyone off the fields. He stated

Parks & Recreation along with field maintenance contractor Landcare & Design met with the

Board of Education Director of Facilities and Grounds Wayne Donaldson, and Little League to

develop a plan for these field improvements.

Councilor Saums continued to note that the Finance Committee discussed with Director of

Parks, Recreation & Senior Citizens Scott Johnson, Jr. that the Field Improvement Project

should have been included in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) because there were some

know problems with fields. He stated Mr. Johnson has agreed to pay more attention to these

types of projects in the future. Councilor Saums explained the reason they like to include all of

the projects on the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), even if they were not expecting to pay for

them this year, was so the town was aware of these types of expenses; and so when opportunities

like this one does come along that that it was already in the Plan.

Councilor Saums pointed out that if this Field Improvement Project had been included in the

Capital Improvement Plan that they would not have to have a Special Town Meeting. He stated

these Capital Funds were available in the Parks & Recreation Capital Non-Recurring Fund

explaining that 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%) received from the real estate

conveyance tax into the Capital and Non-Recurring Funds, which was designated for Parks

& Recreation Capital, Public Works Capital and for Open Space, noting that they were all

separate account. However, he stated to expend these Capital Funds that a Special Town

Meeting was required in accordance with Ordinance #200-012 “ An Ordinance Creating A

Municipal Park And Recreation Capital And Non-Recurring Expense Fund For The Town f

Ledyard” Section 4 Expenditure of Funds

(a) Upon authorization by the annual budget meeting of the Town or upon authorization by a

special Town meeting of the Town, the monies in said fund may be used for capital and

non-recurring expenditures incurred for any of the following:

1. Acquisition, development, improvement, maintenance and expansion of park and

recreation lands;

Councilor Paul questioned the time involved to complete the Pfizer Field Improvement Project.

Director of Parks, Recreation & Senior Citizens Scott Johnson, Jr., stated that weather

permitting they hoped to complete the entire project this Fall, noting that the ideal time to install

sod was in the Fall. However, he stated they may have to do some hydroseeding in the Spring,

2024.

Mr. Johnson went on to state that this project was a Win-Win for the High School as well,

explaining that Little League has funded other improvements at the Pfizer Field that include

bringing electrical service to the property and installing a new scoreboard. He stated the

proposed $16,082.00 Field Improvement Project would address safety concerns, improve

drainage, and increase the overall quality of the field with the intent of being able to host State

Tournaments in the future. He noted the timeline/plan to get to this point included the following:

· Minor Improvements to High School Base Ball Field:

Little League and the Board of Education have both provided funding to make minor

improvements to the High School Baseball Field, which were nearly complete.

· Little League would use the High School Baseball Field this Fall

This would allow them to close one of the Pfizer Field (Babe Ruth -Senior Division Field)

for the Field Improvements.

Mr. Johnson stated the reason he did not include the Pfizer Field Improvement Project in this

year’s Capital Improvement Plan was because they could have waited another year, explaining

that each year they do maintenance work which included bringing in some infield mix to try to

grade the lips in and other work to keep the field in playing condition. However, he stated

eventually they have to do major field improvements.

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

ABSENT:

MOTION to accept the Ledge Light Health District-Ledyard Prevention Coalition proposal dated

June 5, 2023 for the use of the National Opioid Settlement Funding received by the Town of

Ledyard with the following changes:

Reduce the number of Narcan boxes from 194 to 154 for a total reduction of $1,900;

Remove the Police Wellness Dog for a reduction of $2,000.

These adjustments have reduced the total amount of the proposal to $36,100 from the $40,000

originally proposed.

This obligation of funds does not guarantee future funding obligations to your organization.

Also, with the disbursement of funds the Town of Ledyard asks that the Ledyard Prevention

Coalition provide quarterly reports to the Town Council regarding Program effectiveness from

the start date of the Programs.

Moved by Councilor Saums, seconded by Councilor Ingalls

Discussion: Councilor Saums stated the National Opioid Settlement Funding was coming from

the Sackler Family Trust - Purdue Pharma, and others who were party to the case. He stated all

Connecticut towns would be receiving these funds. He also explained that the Opioid Settlement

Funds were to be used exclusively for opioid abatement purposes, including, but not limited to,

expanding access to opioid use disorder prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery options,

etc.

Councilor Saums stated the Finance Committee only received one proposal for the of the

Opioid Funding, which was from Ledge Light Health District-Ledyard Prevention Coalition.

He stated Ms. Kerensa Mansfield Ledyard Prevention Coalition Senior Health Program

Coordinator attended the Finance Committee’s June 21, 2023 meeting to discuss the

details of the proposal; at which time the Finance Committee made some adjustments to

the proposal as noted below:

· $24,128.00 Salaries Expenses (Project Coordinator and Peer Navigator)

· $1,281.00 - Travel Expenses

$9,215 $7,315.00 Narcan ($47.50/box for 194 154 boxes 1box per 100 people)

· $600.00 - Emergency Overdose Kit ($300.00/box for 2 boxes)

· $1,844.00 - Awareness Campaign (local radio stations. social media, etc.)

· $500.00 - Marketing Materials

· $432.00 - Office Supplies to include Printing and Postage

· $2,000 - Wellness Dog for the Ledyard Police Department

NEW TOTAL: $36,100

Councilor Saums stated the reason they reduced the number of Narcan boxes was because the

population size in the proposal was not accurate. He went on to explain the reason they

eliminated the Wellness Dog for the Police Department was because it was a much larger

expense than the $2,000 that was presented in the proposal noting the cost to purchase a dog,

along with training, housing, feeding and veterinary costs, etc. He stated the Finance Committee

did not want to introduce the Town of Ledyard into owning a dog without fully understanding

the cost of a dog, which was much like having a canine unit. He stated because they wanted to

move forward with the Opioid Funded Programs that they removed the Wellness Dog. He stated

they would need to have a separate proposal for a Wellness Dog that they could deliberate on.

Councilor Rodriguez addressed the Wellness Dog for the Police Department and she questioned

whether they would have to have a special Police vehicle for the dog. Chairman Dombrowski

stated for a Caine Unit they would need to have a special Police vehicle, but not necessarily for a

Wellness Dog. However, he stated that was part of the unknowns (costs) of how do they have a

Wellness Dog. Councilor Saums stated the Ledyard Prevention Coalition’s proposal was for the

Police Department to house the Wellness Dog. He stated although they were not opposed to a

Wellness Dog, but that it should be a separate discussion from the use of the Opioid Funding.

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

ABSENT:

General Business

Discuss Work Session Items as time permits.

None.

NO ACTION

RESULT:

XV. ADJOURNMENT

Councilor Rodriguez moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilor Paul

VOTE: 8 - 0 Approved and so declared. The meeting adjourned at 7:36 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 27, 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.